AC Milan will reportedly bid farewell to Franck Kessie this summer, while Rafael Leao is said to be moving closer to signing a new contract.
The Rossoneri’s primary focus will be on finishing this season strong as we’re currently leading the race for the Scudetto with nine games remaining.
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However, as is usual for club hierarchies, planning for the summer transfer window will no doubt be underway already as we look to improve and strengthen the squad with a long-term vision in mind.
Kessie expected to leave, Barcelona deal touted
One player who is seemingly not going to be part of that plan is Kessie, with Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, as reported by MilanNews, noting that the Milan midfielder has reached an agreement with Barcelona and so a deal taking him to the Camp Nou at the end of the season is in place.
Kessie, 25, will become a free agent this summer when his current Milan contract expires, and so with no new deal in place and time running out for the two sides to reach a fresh agreement, it appears as though an exit from San Siro is the most likely outcome.
As per Antonio Vitiello, Milan are continuing to pursue Lille midfielder Renato Sanches as a potential replacement, and while there in no agreement in place as of yet, competition is said to be fierce and so it’s hoped that we can position ourselves at the front of the queue heading into the summer.
Rafael Leao set to agree contract extension
Meanwhile, one player who does wish to sign a new deal, as per MilanNews, is Leao, as it’s reported that he’s discussing a contract renewal with the club that will keep him at Milan until 2026.
It’s added that while he’ll likely receive a salary increase as part of that agreement, an announcement to confirm the deal could be forthcoming in the next few weeks.
We’ve seen a big jump from the 22-year-old this season, as he’s scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
There is no doubt that he can still improve further and become a more influential figure in the side, but should Milan secure a new deal for him this summer, it would make sense for the club to not only reward him for his improved form, but also to protect our long-term interests in keeping him as a Milan player for the foreseeable future.