Milan have identified Rafael Leao as the leader of a new golden generation and will do everything in their power to keep hold of him this summer. According to Corriere dello Sport (via Milan News), the newly-crowned Serie A champions are aware of growing interest in the Portuguese’s services from the Premier League.
After Real Madrid named Leao their top target in the wake of Kylian Mbappe’s rejection, several Premier League clubs have now joined the race for the 22-year-old forward. Manchester City are among the sides to have displayed their interest in the Rossoneri No17, forcing Paolo Maldini and co to act swiftly.
Milan have offered Leao a new contract worth around €4.5m per season. However, they may have to improve their bid if they are to fend off foreign suitors and retain their headline performer. After tying Theo Hernandez down to a new deal, the Rossoneri are working around the clock to convince Leao to follow in the Frenchman’s footsteps.
There is no doubt that the ex-Lille winger is a generational talent. Following a lengthy period of adaptation, Leao has soaked up the limelight as the best player in Serie A, let alone Milan.
A truly inspirational season where he led Stefano Pioli’s side to their first Scudetto since 2010/11 earned Leao a flattering MVP award. Replacing a player of his calibre would be virtually impossible regardless of the figure Milan would get for sanctioning his potential departure.
It seems that Maldini and the San Siro powerbrokers understand the importance of Leao to the team. They are ready to act accordingly and bind their star amid a wave of interest from abroad.