Tottenham target Rafael Leao is keen on staying at AC Milan
The hopes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham to secure the signature of Rafael Leao this summer have suffered a significant setback. The 24-year-old forward, who has been in impressive form for AC Milan in Serie A, has expressed his loyalty to the club amid speculation about his future.
Leao’s performances for AC Milan this season have garnered attention from top clubs across Europe, including the Premier League trio of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham. With 33 appearances across all competitions, Leao has contributed nine goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Milan’s push for a top-four finish.
Despite attracting interest from various clubs, including PSG, Leao has made it clear that his future lies with AC Milan. In response to questions about his future ahead of Milan’s clash against Lazio, Leao emphasized his gratitude towards the club for helping him grow both as a player and as a person.
No Leao then!
Answering questions about his long-term future, here is what Leao had to say as quoted by Sports Mole via Football London:
“In Milan they helped me grow as a man and as a player. I can’t leave them. My future is in Milan. My education is based on loyalty.”
Leao’s commitment to AC Milan comes as a blow to Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham, who had hoped to secure his services in the upcoming transfer window. With PSG prioritising Leao as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, the Premier League clubs face stiff competition in their pursuit of the Portuguese forward.
Furthermore, Sport via Football London suggests that Leao’s contract with AC Milan includes a release clause of £150m, further complicating any potential transfer negotiations. While Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham may have been eager to bolster their attacking options with the addition of Leao, his loyalty to AC Milan and the significant release clause present significant obstacles to any potential deal.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the Premier League trio may need to explore alternative targets to strengthen their squads. While the allure of playing in the highly competitive Premier League may have initially appealed to Leao, his commitment to AC Milan underscores the importance of loyalty and gratitude in football. The Serie A has had its share of loyal players; nothing much any team can do about it.
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In the face of this setback, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham must surely reassess their transfer strategies and identify alternative targets to address their respective needs. While the pursuit of Leao may have ended in disappointment, there are still plenty of opportunities for Tottenham to strengthen their squads and compete at the highest level in the upcoming season. Having said that, you didn’t believe that Leao was a realistic transfer for Spurs, did you?
