Rafael Leao says he’ll ‘hold more talks with AC Milan over his future once the World Cup is over’

Rafael Leao has said he will speak to AC Milan about his ‘contract situation’ once the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is over.

Leao has become one of AC Milan’s most important players – scoring 34 goals in 135 appearances for the Italian giants since joining from Lille in 2018. 

However, AC Milan are at risk of losing their talisman as Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea have registered an interest in signing him.  

Rafael Leao will speak to AC Milan about his ‘contract situation’ once the 2022 World Cup

The forward – who is currently out in Qatar representing Portugal – is contracted to AC Milan until 2024 but a number of clubs are interested in his services. 

Speaking about his future in Italy, Leao told La Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘I will speak to AC Milan [again] about my contract situation once the World Cup is over.

‘We had a positive meeting with [technical director] Paolo Maldini before the World Cup, it was a good one – we’ll enter into details after the break.’

The 23-year-old forward is currently in Qatar representing Portugal in the 2022 World Cup

He scored against Ghana in Portugal’s 3-2 win and is hoping to score against South Korea 

While AC Milan’s sporting director Frederic Massara previously said: ‘We’re confident to reach an agreement with Rafael Leao and extend his contract.’

Massara went on to add: ‘We’ll [AC Milan] try to find a solution to proceed with Rafa for long time.’ 

Leao joined Lille in Ligue 1 from Sporting in 2018 before moving to Italy a year later – joining AC Milan for £32million. 

The forward was regarded as exciting prospect but nothing extraordinary at the time of his transfer to AC Milan. 

However, Leao has developed at an astonishing rate at the San Siro fast. He has become the club’s most important player and, perhaps, their most valuable asset. 

Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in signing the forward (right) 

He has fast developed into one of AC Milan’s most important players over the last four years

Leao scored 11 times in the league in 34 appearances for AC Milan last season. His contribution helped the club secure their first Scudetto in 11 years. 

The 23-year-old has continued to excel this season, scoring six times and recording nine assists across 18 appearances in all competitions. 

Chelsea manager Graham Potter himself praised the player this season when the Blues met AC Milan in the group stages of the Champions League. 

‘You can see Leao’s quality and skills, it’s obvious. But he is part of a strong team. We have to respect that [he is under contract],’ he said.