AC Milan make honest Rafael Leao transfer admission amid Chelsea interest

AC Milan's Paolo Maldini has made an honest admission regarding the future of Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao amid interest from Europe.

The Serie A MVP from last season was heavily linked with a move away from the San Siro during the summer.

Chelsea had reportedly enquired about his services but AC Milan were unwilling to let him go for a cut price.

Instead, they were told to pay his €150 million release clause if they wished to complete the deal for one of the most promising youngsters in world football.

Rafael Leao for AC Milan in the Champions League. (Alamy)

Chelsea were also asked to structure the transfer in such a manner that Rafael Leao is relinquished of a substantial CAS-imposed fine he owes to former club Sporting.

The total debt owed is understood to amount to £16 million, with 25% of the player's salary being held by the court each month.

This made any late move in the transfer window complicated, with Leao's future a unique case due to the debt.

AC Milan's Maldini has now discussed the summer transfer moves for Leao, without naming any clubs.

As quoted by Sempre Milan, Maldini said: “Did I reject offers for Leao and Theo Hernandez? I told some not to even show up.

"The problem is that then they return to the office and then you have to decide what to do."

The Italian continued to drop a transfer hint regarding the future of Leao, stating that every player has their price.

"In the context of the sustainability of the club, I repeat that we have the accounts in place and we don’t need to sell anyone," he continued.

"We want to keep the strongest players, but players who cannot be sold today no longer exist.”

Rafael Leao after scoring for AC Milan against US Sassuolo. (Alamy)

It appears that AC Milan will allow their star to leave if the right price is met, which appears to be his release clause.

However, further reports have stated that the Serie A champions are keen to extend Leao's deal and negotiate a new clause.

It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea, or another one of Europe's top clubs, can bring him to their side before he agrees a new deal.

Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are the most heavily linked with the winger, along with Chelsea, as the Blues are in the market for a winger in the January transfer window.