Milan strongly deny tensions between Paolo Maldini and Rafael Leao during contract negotiations and insist talks with the striker’s entourage are ‘ongoing in a professional way.’
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported this morning that talks between the club and the Portuguese star’s had reached an impasse as the club were unwilling to lower the striker’s €150m release clause included in his current deal.
It also added that tension between Maldini and Leao was ‘high’ in their last meeting.
The Rossoneri have now reacted with an official statement, which is something they usually don’t do when it comes to transfer rumours and speculations.
“With regard to the article published today by the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport entitled: “Leão-Milan total rupture”, AC Milan would like to point out that the negotiations with Rafael Leão have not been interrupted,” the Rossoneri said in a statement published on Twitter.
“The journalistic narrative of a cold relationship between the two parties is not only totally unfounded but also damaging to the Club and its player. AC Milan continues its dialogue with Leão and his entourage in a serene and professional way.”
Leao’s contract expires in June 2024 and the Rossoneri have been in talks with his entourage for several months.
Named Best Serie A player for 2021-22 after Milan’s first Scudetto in 11 years, Leao has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester City with the Blues open to offering up to €120m at the end of the summer transfer window.
Gazzetta dello Sport is actually Italian for absolute drivel.
But FI are happy to repeat all unsubstantiated drivel.