Belgium's World Cup 2022 squad: Who was left out of the Belgium World Cup squad?
FootballRafael Leao to Decide AC Milan Future After World Cup Amid Chelsea Links
- Rafael Leao has confirmed positive contract talks have taken place with AC Milan
- The winger says any decision on his club future will be decided after the World Cup
- Chelsea are said to be very interested in bringing the Portugal star to Stamford Bridge
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has confirmed he put contract discussions with the Italian club on hold until after the World Cup.
Leao is currently with Portugal in Qatar, but has confirmed that the round of talks held with the Serie A club's director, Paolo Maldini before the Mundial were positive.
However, he will not make any decision until he returns to Milan in January.
Leao helped AC Milan win their first Serie A title since 2011. He was also named the league's MVP, and with a year left on his contract after this season, the Italians are looking to tie him down to a new contract.
Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!
Leao's statement on club future
Leao has confirmed he is in no rush to decide on his future and wants to focus on the World Cup with Portugal. He confirmed this to Gazzetta dello Sport:
''I am happy and proud. I have to stay focused on the World Cup, then I’ll speak with Milan upon my return. Renewal? We already had a meeting with Maldini just before joining the national team; it was a positive meeting. Once I return to Milan, we will discuss it better.”
How much will Leao cost?
According to Football London, if Leao decides to leave the Serie A giants at the end of the current season and move to Chelsea, he will cost at least £90m.
The figure will be inflated by the £13.8m the winger owes Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon for terminating his contract unilaterally in 2019, as reported by Mirror. This was after fans of the club attacked the training ground.
South Korea's World Cup squad 2022: Who's in and who's out?
FootballLeao joined Lille after leaving Portugal, joining AC Milan a year later, where he has refined his game to be one of the best and hottest wingers in world football.
Nkunku and Chelsea in partnership?
Sports Brief earlier reported that Christopher Nkunku and Chelsea agreed to the terms of his transfer from RB Leipzig, with the French attacker to switch to England in the summer of 2023.
Nkunku was named Bundesliga player of the year last season while Leao was Serie A MVP, and with Todd Boehly looking to bring both to Chelsea, the club's attack could take a new look.
The French is currently out injured. He was forced to withdraw from his nation's World Cup squad after suffering the injury at training for Les Bleus.