Rafael Leao: AC Milan Ready to Fend Off Chelsea’s Pursuit of Their Star With New Lucrative Contract

• AC Milan have initiated new contract negotiations with Rafael Leo, who has attracted the likes of Chelsea
• Leao joined Milan in 2019 and helped the Rossoneri clinch their first Serie A title since the 2010/11 season
• The Italian giants have reportedly set a price tag of €150 million to fend off the big boys from Europe

With links to Chelsea rising fast, AC Milan is looking to tie their best player, Rafael Leao to a new contract before the World Cup.

Leao, arguably Serie A's best player, has begun impressively this season with some fans and pundits touting him the best winger in world football.

Chelsea were reported to have made a move for Leao late in the transfer window, and Milan have wasted no time in negotiating a new deal with its best player.

Although the Portuguese player's current contract expires in 2024, the Rossoneri want to tie him to a long-term contract to fend off admirers such as Chelsea and Manchester City.

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Leao's demands for new deal

According to Football Italia, the Serie A champions have initiated contract talks and are prepared to offer him €6 million per year, but the youngster wants a total of €7 million per season.

ESPN reports that the Italian giants have set a price tag of €150 million for the 23-year-old, who is expected to play an important role for Portugal in the upcoming World Cup.

According to Goal, AC Milan signed Leao in August 2019 and his stature in Serie A has drastically grown. He is a product of Sporting CP's youth system, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Nani and Luis Figo.

Leao has four goals and seven assists this season from 12 games.

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Sports Brief earlier reported on Rafael Leao heaping praise on Reece James for giving him a tough time during the first leg of their Champions League encounter.

The star winger has admitted that James gave him a hard time when his side faced Chelsea. Leao has described James as the toughest opponent he has ever played against.

James scored a stunning goal and provided an assist as Chelsea swept aside Milan. The Blues emerged victorious in the second leg on Tuesday, beating the 10-man Italians 2-0.