AC MILAN legend and club director Paolo Maldini has confirmed Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao will hold talks over a new long-term contract before the 2022 World Cup.
The Blues have been tracking Leao, 23, after he helped Milan win their first Scudetto in over a decade last season.
The Portugal star reached double figures in goals and assists to aid Milan’s efforts in denying rivals Inter a second-straight league title.
Chelsea were believed to have launched a bid worth £69million plus players.
However, Milan turned the offer down as they were holding out for his £130m release clause.
And it could become even more difficult for Chelsea, or any interested party, to sign Leao as he’s set for fresh contract talks, legendary Italy defender and Milan director Maldini has confirmed.
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Talks will take place before the World Cup, which Leao is set to star in for Portugal.
Maldini said: “There has been no approach or contact for Leao after September 1st.
“We wanted to extend his contract one year ago — now we will try to seal Leao’s new deal in one month, before the World Cup break.”
Chelsea got to have a closer look at the player in the Champions League group stages this season.
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Graham Potter’s side beat Milan in both group stages fixtures to put themselves in pole position to top Group E.
The more recent win came at the San Siro on Tuesday, which saw Jorginho net from the spot.
Ex-Milan academy ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got the second.
Milan have two games to secure a place in the knockouts, but they trail RB Salzburg by two points.
A third-placed finish would see the Italian champions drop into the Europa League.
However, Dinamo Zagreb are hot on their heels, level on points but behind on head-to-head.
New Chelsea boss Potter has been publicly complimentary of Leao.
Potter said earlier this month: “I’ve been really impressed with Rafael Leao whenever I’ve watched Milan games, he’s a top player.
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“In terms of what happens in the future, who knows whether he can do this in Premier League or not.
“He’s got the capability, for sure.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
