Milan May Retain Leao as Nkunku is Offered for Sale Amidst Lack of Major Offers

Reports indicate that Christopher Nkunku is being made available for transfer, suggesting that AC Milan may opt to keep Rafael Leao and pursue contract renewal discussions with him. This strategic shift appears to be influenced by the limited interest and unsatisfactory offers received for Leao.

Coach Ruben Amorim met with club owner Gerry Cardinale, and together they compiled a list of players deemed available for sale this summer. The inclusion of Nkunku on this list was somewhat surprising and has raised concerns among Milan supporters, who perceive it as a sign of poor planning given the imminent start of the Serie A season.

The unexpected decision regarding Nkunku seems to stem from the challenges faced in offloading Rafael Leao. The initial plan, after a substantial investment of nearly €80 million in acquiring Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain, was to sell Leao and use the proceeds to sign a new winger. However, the Portuguese international has only attracted interest from Turkish clubs like Besiktas, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce, none of whom have met Milan's valuation of €50 million plus €10 million in add-ons.

With these clubs now pursuing other targets, Leao appears to be stuck at San Siro, despite previously expressing a desire for a new challenge. Given his contract is set to expire in June 2028, this situation could lead to a significant change in the club's transfer strategy.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Leao is scheduled to meet with AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale next week to discuss his future. The club acknowledges that the anticipated offers for the player have not materialized. Consequently, Milan may initiate talks about a contract extension for Leao, likely with a revised salary that may not see an increase. The hope is that under the guidance of Portuguese coach Amorim, Leao can finally achieve greater consistency.

If Nkunku is indeed sold, alongside potential departures like Santiago Gimenez, it becomes increasingly probable that Rafael Leao will remain with the team.