Paolo Maldini has admitted that every player has his price after being asked about the prospect of Rafael Leao leaving AC Milan, with Manchester City and Liverpool reportedly interested in signing the winger.
Speaking to CalcioMercato, the Italian football legend was asked about the futures of key players, with the Rossoneri currently looking to extend Leao’s contract after the forward played a huge role in Milan’s title win last season, with the 23-year-old’s form this campaign also being incredible.
Leao is reportedly a target for both City and Liverpool as well as Chelsea, though recent reports have suggested that Premier League clubs will only be able to sign the Portuguese international if they match his £127m release clause, which could be further increased or removed completely if the attacker signs a new contract with Milan.
With three goals and six assists this season in all competitions, Leao has been in quite impressive form for the San Siro side this campaign, and with the Rossoneri once again flying in Serie A as well as winning games in the UEFA Champions League, the prospect of the winger leaving before the end of this campaign feels quite unlikely.
However, that hasn’t stopped Maldini from cryptically saying that Leao could leave, with the Milan technical director admitting that every player has their price even if the club want to keep hold of their most important names for the upcoming years.
Maldini said when asked about the future of Leao at Milan ahead of the January transfer window: “I told someone not to even show up to negotiations. We want to keep our best players, but players who are not for sale now no longer exist in the current transfer market.”
City and Liverpool will face a huge test if they want to sign Leao
Leao’s rise to prominence has been impressive to watch, with the former LOSC Lille star’s form a key reason behind Milan’s title win last season, yet Maldini’s latest comments could make signing the attacker quite a challenge for City and Liverpool, especially if the winger pens a new deal with the Rossoneri.
After all, whilst City and Liverpool could have the funds to match Leao’s current release clause, there’s a strong chance neither side will be willing to meet Milan’s renewed fee for their star attacker if he commits his future to the club in the coming months.
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