EXCLUSIVE: AC Milan Youngster Rafael Leão Turned Down Contract Offer From Chelsea And Other EPL Clubs And Signs Three-Year Deal In a move that speaks volumes about ambition, trust, and vision, highly-rated youngster Rafael Leão has committed his immediate future to AC Milan, penning a new three-year deal after rejecting renewed offers from Chelsea and interest from several other Premier League clubs. The 25-year-old’s decision comes as a major boost for the Magpies and a…

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EXCLUSIVE: AC Milan Youngster Rafael Leão Turned Down Contract Offer From Chelsea And Other EPL Clubs And Signs Three-Year Deal
In a move that underscores loyalty and long-term vision, Portuguese forward Rafael Leão has signed a new three-year deal with AC Milan, putting an end to mounting speculation linking him with a high-profile switch to the Premier League. The 25-year-old, regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents, reportedly turned down lucrative offers from Chelsea and interest from other English giants to stay with the Rossoneri.
The decision is being hailed as a statement of intent—not just by Leão, but by AC Milan as a club that aims to retain its top-tier talent amid growing financial competition across Europe. The forward’s new deal, which extends his stay at San Siro until the summer of 2028, includes a significantly improved salary package and a revised release clause believed to be north of €150 million.
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Chelsea had made Leão one of their primary summer targets, viewing him as a dynamic addition to their evolving attacking unit. However, Leão’s preference for stability, trust in AC Milan’s project, and the strong relationship he has cultivated with manager Stefano Pioli are said to have been decisive factors in his choice.
“It wasn’t just about money or prestige,” a source from Leão’s camp told us. “It was about continuing a journey that Rafael believes is only getting started. Milan believed in him when he was still growing into his potential. Now, he wants to repay that faith.”
Leão’s time at Milan has seen him evolve from a raw, promising winger into a match-winner capable of producing moments of brilliance. Since joining from Lille in 2019, he has grown into a fan favorite at San Siro. His blistering pace, flair, and improved decision-making were instrumental in Milan’s 2021–22 Serie A title-winning campaign, and he has continued to be a key figure for the club both domestically and in European competition.
For AC Milan, keeping Leão amid heavy interest from the Premier League is a major coup. It signals their ambition to not only compete with Europe’s elite on the pitch but also to hold their ground in the transfer market. Club CEO Giorgio Furlani commented, “Rafa is part of our future. We are building something strong here, and players like him are the foundation.”
With this new contract, Milan have effectively closed the door on transfer speculation—at least for the time being. But more importantly, they’ve sent a clear message: the Rossoneri are not a selling club. As they look to build on recent progress, keeping players like Rafael Leão is vital.
For Chelsea and others who had hoped to lure him to England, it’s a blow. But for AC Milan and their fans, it’s a resounding win—proof that sometimes, loyalty and vision can triumph over the Premier League’s billions.