Chelsea dealt transfer blow as AC Milan director Paolo Maldini addresses rumours

AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini has played down talk suggesting the Italian giants could lose Rafael Leao to Chelsea and stressed that the striker wants to stay in Milan.

Leao emerged as a potential transfer target for the Blues this summer after plundering 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions last season. And the Portuguese forward has carried that rich vein of form into the new campaign, where he has bagged six league goals in as many games.

The 23-year-old's impressive returns are unlikely to deter Chelsea's interest - even though the Londoners' previous attempts to thrash out a deal for the sought-after striker were emphatically knocked back by the Italian champions.

And Maldini, who is now the club's technical director, has poured further doubt on Chelsea's prospects of pinching Leao, who has reportedly been unable to extend his contract due to an ongoing dispute with Sporting CP over his previous move to Lille. Maldini told CalcioMercato : "Leao has a difficult situation that comes from his move to Lille, which is affecting him a lot and has meant that our interlocutors have often changed.

"But Rafa is grateful to us and I'm interested in what he says to us. He understands that his path in the coming years must be at Milan, he understands that and tells us as much.

"There will be a negotiation but we know that good players must be paid their value. If the team grows further, Leao will have everything to compete to the fullest.

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"Of course, there are no non-transferable players at any team around the world."

AC Milan reportedly made it clear to Chelsea in the summer that Leao would not be allowed to leave the San Siro unless his €150 million (£129.7m) release clause was triggered - but even that may not be enough ward off interest from the Blues, who spent in excess of £270m in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea are expected to be active in the January transfer window under new head coach Graham Potter, who was appointed following Thomas Tuchel's abrupt dismissal earlier this month.

And a new striker could be high on Potter's agenda as he bids to shake up the club's current playing squad.

If Chelsea do opt to continue pursuing Leao while Milan try to thrash out a new contract with the striker, then competition for a deal could be fierce, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also believed to be an avid admirer of Leao.

However, the fact that Leao would instantly become Chelsea's main man could appeal to the striker, who would more than likely have to compete with Erling Haaland for a spot at the Etihad.

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