Manchester City are reportedly planning to compete with Chelsea for the signing of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
The 23-year-old has been in fine form for the Italian champions so far this season, scoring three goals and registering four assists in seven games across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Rafael Leao had a productive 2021-22 season for his Serie A team, scoring 14 goals and contributing 12 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, with Chelsea being heavily linked with his services over the summer.
The Blues are thought to have failed with a €80m (£69m) bid for Leao late in the transfer window, with Milan indicating that he would not be available under his €150m (£130m) release clause.
Manchester City Interested In Rafael Leao?
Chelsea are expected to renew their interest in him next year, but according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Manchester City are also interested.
Di Marzio believes that City manager Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Portugal international, who might depart San Siro in 2023.
Milan manager Stefano Pioli has stated that the Serie A giants intend to offer Rafael Leao a new deal soon.
“The club wants to offer Leao a new deal soon. They will take care of it – he’s working at the best level. He’s not creating any problems, he’s just working hard as a top professional,” Pioli stated to reporters.
However, according to a recent report, contract talks between Leao and Milan have stagnated, with the player’s £6 million-a-year demands proving difficult for the Italian club.
Since joining Milan in August 2019, he has played 122 times in all competitions, scoring 30 goals and contributing 25 assists.
“In order to improve, you need talent and intelligence, so Leao has both of those. We gave him the time and freedom to make mistakes so he could learn,” Pioli said when questioned on Rafael Leao after Milan’s 3-2 win over Inter Milan earlier this month.
“Naturally, every time we put him in one-on-one situations, he’s an important weapon in our armoury. Rafa has a body language that might confuse people, but I can assure you he knows what potential he has and is very eager to learn.”
See Also: Mane Hasn’t Reached His Peak Yet, Says Nagelsmann
Who Did Manchester City Sign During The Summer Window?
Man City bolstered their attack during the summer transfer window by signing Erling Braut Haaland from Borussia Dortmund and Julian Alvarez from River Plate.
However, there were a handful of departures over the summer, with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus being permitted to go for Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively.
Man City will try to make it back-to-back Champions League wins when they host Borussia Dortmund at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
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