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Manchester City: Transfer target Rafael Leao does not want contract extension
Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Manchester City transfer target Rafael Leao does not wish to extend his deal at AC Milan.
The Lowdown: Man City interest
It has been widely reported that City are interested in signing Leao, whose contract at Milan expires in 2024.
He played for Portugal at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he managed two goals on the way to them reaching the quarter-finals, despite not starting a game (Transfermarkt).
The Latest: No extension
Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg has revealed that Leao does not want to extend his deal at Milan beyond 2024, and City are one of three clubs ‘in’ for him:
“Excl. News #Leao: At this stage he doesn’t want to extend beyond 2024. Not confident with the offer. Chelsea, City, Real in. #CFC held talks about him in Qatar. Milan refused Chelseas offer (€70m). They want €150m. The amount of the release clause.”
The Verdict: Get it done
Leao is a player that could make the difference for City this season, should they be able to sign him in the January transfer window.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently five points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table, and will be going for the UEFA Champions League again, the one major trophy that still alludes them.
Hailed as ‘world class‘ by European football commentator Matteo Bonetti, Leao boasts seven goals and nine assists in 20 games in total over all competitions for Milan so far this season (Transfermarkt), and ranks in the top 3% for shots taken, 6% for dribbles completed, and 10% for assists of all wingers in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year (FBRef).
The 23-year-old shares a similar playing style to the likes of Mo Salah, Son Heung-Min and Luis Diaz, suggesting that he would thrive in the Premier League, and if the Cityzens can stamp up the cash for him, then Leao would really help bring more silverware to the Etihad Stadium.
