AC Milan boss Pioli speaks out on future of Chelsea target Leao

AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has, on Saturday, provided a fresh insight into the club’s plans for star attacker Rafael Leao.

Wide-man Leao, of course, has taken his place front and centre in the Italian headlines across the last couple of hours.

This comes after the Portuguese proved the difference-maker in the latest edition of the Derby della Madonnina.

Leao’s two goals, either side of an assist for Olivier Giroud, were enough to guide the Rossoneri to a 3-2 triumph, in the process climbing back to the top of the Serie A table.

The man for the big occasion ✨

🔴⚫️ Olivier Giroud was in the goals once again as AC Milan were 3-2 winners over rivals Inter. pic.twitter.com/mvinWXI3D1

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 3, 2022

His latest starring display, though, came after Milan’s explosive winger was actually singled out for widespread criticism over the early weeks of the campaign.

This came amid suggestions on the part of the Diavolo faithful that Leao had had his head turned, by mounting interest on the part of Premier League heavyweights Chelsea.

Speaking on the back of his side’s latest victory on Saturday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of the club’s ongoing efforts to tie Leao down was put to Stefano Pioli.

And Milan’s boss seemed largely enthusiastic when it comes to the chances of as much bearing fruit.

Making use of the opportunity to hail the Portuguese international’s professionalism, Pioli explained:

“The club wants to offer Leão a new deal soon. They will take care of it - he’s working at the best level.”

“He’s not creating any problems, he’s just working hard as a top professional.”

AC Milan manager Pioli on Rafa Leão: "The club wants to offer Leão a new deal soon. They will take care of it - he's working at the best level". 🔴⚫️🇵🇹 #ACMilan

"He's not creating any problem, he's just working hard as top professional", says on #CFC links. pic.twitter.com/rbsMXzX59U

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2022