Rafael Leao addresses EPL links with cryptic statement

Sought-after AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has addressed growing rumours linking him with a mega-money switch to the Premier League in the summer.

In a video posted on YouTube by the newly-opened luxury sneaker store Kick Game, the 23-year-old shared his view of the weather in London amid speculation of Chelsea’s interest in taking him away from Italy.

Leao, who helped Milan edge Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the San Siro, has recently visited England’s capital.

However, he didn’t like what he saw.

“I didn’t like the weather,” he said. “It was my first time in London – I went shopping.”

As one of Stefano Pioli’s most trusted allies, Leao will travel with the rest of the Milan squad to north London on March 8 to try and defend a slender first-leg advantage at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Portugal international won the MVP award in Serie A last season after soaking up the limelight as the division’s most productive player, helping the Rossoneri end a decade-long Scudetto wait.

His phenomenal showings in the fashion capital have earned him a host of high-profile suitors across Europe, particularly the Premier League, where Chelsea and Manchester City have emerged as potential buyers.

But Leao refused to rest on his laurels, going from strength to strength in the first half of the 2022/23 Serie A season, tallying six goals and five assists before the World Cup break.

Things have not gone so well for the former Lille men since Serie A resumed in January, as he’s bagged just two goals and two assists across nine league appearances.

Despite experiencing a dip in form, Leao will be one of the Italians’ leading figures in London next month as he’ll have an opportunity to get familiar with his potential next stop.

And while the ever-expanding list of Leao’s admirers continues to make the headlines, Milan are hellbent on tying the quicksilver forward down to a new deal.

The soon-to-be former Serie A champions intensified contract talks with the player’s agents last month after convincing Theo Hernandez to pledge his future to the club.