AC Milan winger Rafael Leao reached double figures in league goals with his winner against Fiorentina on Sunday, and other clubs are taking note.
Calciomercato.com report how Leao’s development and his increasing importance to Milan means that the negotiations being played off the pitch for his renewal have taken on a symbolic value regarding the intentions of the project.
In recent weeks the agent of Leao – Jorge Mendes – has raised the request for salary to €5m net per season plus bonuses to get to €6m. This choice is the result of both the legal dispute with the Sporting CP and the compensation that might have to be paid but also because of the demand on the market.
The big clubs in the Premier League are watching on and Manchester City have taken the first steps, while in the last few hours the cash-rich Newcastle United have tested the waters.
The good news is that Leao has always emphasised his attachment to the Rossoneri but the negotiation will also depend heavily on Investcorp, who are close to the acquisition of the club from Elliott Management.
Among the shareholders of the Bahrain-based fund there is the Abu Dhabi sovereign fund Mubadala who have 20%. Executive president Mohammed Bin Mahfoodh Al Ardhi wants to lock up Leao and make him one of the symbols of the new direction.
