Rafael Leao ‘signs a new FIVE-YEAR contract with Milan’, warding off Liverpool and Chelsea interest

AC Milan star Rafael Leao has penned a new five-year at the Italian club, according to reports. 

The highly-rated winger, who has been attracting interest from a host of clubs including Liverpool and Chelsea ahead of the summer, has enjoyed an impressive season with the Serie A giants, contributing 13 goals and 13 assists so far this term.

He was also instrumental during his side’s Scudetto triumph last season, which brought Milan their first Serie A title in 11 years.

However, despite riveting the gaze of several top clubs this summer, Leao has agreed to stay at Milan until June 2028, according to The Athletic.

The 23-year-old star remains a fitness doubt ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against bitter rivals Inter, having picked up a thigh injury in the first 11 minutes against Lazio on Saturday. 

Liverpool and Chelsea target Rafael Leao ‘has signed a new five-year contract with AC Milan’

The Portuguese international (left), who has been a key player this season, is fighting to return ahead of Milan’s Champions League semi-final against bitter rivals Inter Milan on Wednesday

Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday morning that Leao had arrived at Milan’s team hotel to join the squad, but it remains unclear whether he will be fit for the crunch semi-final clash. 

Reports from Italy claimed that Milan would know whether Leao would feature against Inter by Wednesday lunchtime, but head coach Stefano Pioli admitted on Tuesday that he would wait until the last moment before making a decision.

‘Tomorrow (Wednesday) he will try to push himself to the maximum to understand if he can take part in the match,’ Pioli said after Leao returned to training on Tuesday.

‘If I call him up, it will be because he’s fit to play. If the tests are fine, he could even start.’

The winning San Siro outfit will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the Champions League final next month.

Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to draw 1-1 with the Spanish giants on Tuesday, as Kevin De Bruyne’s second-half thunderbolt cancelled out Vinicius Jr’s opener before the break.