Manager quizzed on fresh Chelsea approach for big signing – Offer had already been revealed

A month ago, AC Milan chief Paolo Maldini revealed his side turned down an offer sent by Chelsea for Rafael Leão in the summer transfer window.

The Blues made an effort for the 23-year-old when Thomas Tuchel was at Stamford Bridge. He’s since been shown the exit door and Graham Potter was appointed as the German’s successor last month.

Following Potter’s arrival, several reports in Italy continue to name Chelsea as being keen on the forward.

The Portugal international has four goals and seven assists from 12 matches this season. This includes two starts against the west London club in the Champions League, and Milan ended up losing on both occasions.

The latest clash between the two sides took place at the San Siro on Tuesday. Prior to the kick-off, Mediaset had a chat with Maldini and directly asked him whether ‘Chelsea are back’ for Leão.

“The market is at a standstill. It’s true that gossip can be made, but there has been no post-market approach. Now Rafa has to focus on this season and he’s doing it great,” Calciomercato quoted him as saying.

The Serie A winners have long been working to tie Leão to a new contract. His deal runs down in 2024, and Milan remain hopeful they can sort it out before the start of the Qatar World Cup next month.

“Rafa’s renewal? We would like to do it first. Indeed, we already wanted to do it a year ago, we wanted to do it six months ago. Then there must be the conditions to do so,” Maldini told Sky Sport.

“The idea is to do it before the championship ends [for the World Cup break], so let’s say before November 12th. Then let’s see what will happen.”