Leao's performance level has increased dramatically in the last two seasons with AC Milan. He even managed to help the Rossoneri win the Scudetto title.
Leao was also chosen as the best player in Serie A 2021/2022 yesterday. With his game increasingly shining, Milan was determined to extend the winger's contract.
Leao's contract only expires in 2024. However, Milan wants to immediately secure the Portuguese winger's signature so that he is not hijacked by other clubs.
Leao persuaded by Chelsea and Man City
Several clubs have recently reportedly continued to observe the performance of Rafael Leao. Among them is Chelsea.
Even Chelsea is said to have released an offer to Milan on the deadline day of the 2022 summer transfer market yesterday. But the Rossoneri were not tempted by the offer which was reportedly worth 80 million euros.
Apart from Chelsea, there is also news of interest from Manchester City. They are reportedly looking for a new winger who can fill the position vacated by Raheem Sterling.
Leao Becomes Grealish's Substitute
But now there is new news regarding Manchester City's interest in Rafael Leao. The report states that City wanted Leao not because they wanted to make him a replacement for Raheem Sterling.
Leao targeted to replace Jack Grealish. This news was claimed by Football Insider.
This rumor emerged after Grealish received criticism for his performance when he met Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. The English player had indeed silenced his critics when he performed well against Wolverhampton.
At that time he managed to score a goal. However, there are reports that Grealish has told his team-mates that he will not stay at Man City next season even though he is still under contract until 2027.
The reason, he began to lose confidence in the City squad. He is said to have admitted that the Josep Guardiola-style system will not give him an advantage or benefit in the long term.
Guardiola Happy With Grealish
Manchester City manager, Josep Guardiola previously defended Jack Grealish. He is still happy with the player's performance even though he did not contribute so many goals and assists.
"We didn't sign him from Aston Villa because of his spectacular goals and assists while there. We signed him for other reasons," he admitted as quoted by The Independent.
"It's been done every time he played here. I know what kind of player he is, and I am happy with what he has done."
Manchester City Match Schedule
Next Manchester City Match Schedule:
Match: Manchester City vs Manchester United
Stadium: Etihad
Day: October 2, 2022
Kickoff: 20.00 WIB