AC Milan have still not managed to make big strides during talks with Rafael Leao and his entourage over the renewal of his contract, a report claims.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanLive) focus on the renewal of Leao, who is becoming an increasingly important player for Milan as his performances against Napoli led the Rossoneri into the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The latest demonstration was seen on Tuesday evening at the Maradona when he went on a 74-metre run before providing the perfect assist to Olivier Giroud, demonstrating his speed, dribbling and decision making.
Leao has shown strong attachment to Milan but the fact his deal expires in Juve 2024 continues to put some pressure on the management. While Giroud, Bennacer, Theo Hernandez, Tomori and others had no problems signing a contract extension, Leao’s situation is certainly different.
The Portuguese winger would like to stay but there are obstacles to overcome. Firstly, his entourage want €7m net per season but Milan have not deviated from the offer of €6m plus bonuses.
Then there is the question of the dispute with Sporting CP as Leao must repay the €16.5m plus interest to his former club. At present, the ex-Lille man pays a fifth of his salary to Sporting every month, and during the renewal negotiations he asked Milan €2m in compensation for the money paid to the Portuguese club.
The Rossoneri do not have not the slightest intention of paying Sporting CP themselves because they feel that they have nothing to do with it, but it is possible that Leao could make some concessions to facilitate an agreement.
However, there is another obstacle: Jorge Mendes. The powerful agent has turned into a consultant for the Leao family, a sort of assistant to Ted Dimvula, and he knows that a transfer for the forward would earn him and the family more money.
Maldini and Massara would like to sign within the next three weeks – perhaps before the Champions League semi-final against Inter on May 10 – but a sale in the summer will become the only option if an agreement is not reached before then.
