Nasser Al-Khelaïfi seems to be preparing for the departure of Lionel Messi as they are targeting AC Milan star Rafael Leao, a report claims.
According to El Nacional in Spain, PSG approached Messi and his father/agent Jorge Messi several times about renewing his deal but all attempts have been fruitless, and the feeling is that he will leave the French capital at the end of the season.
Messi is not happy with PSG’s project having been eliminated for the second consecutive year in the round of 16 of the Champions League, while the fans have on more than one occasion booed the World Champion, the most recent time being during the defeat against Stade Rennais when he left the field without acknowledging the supporters.
The report states that Al-Khelaïfi believes he has found the ideal candidate to replace Messi as agent Jorge Mendes has offered up Rafael Leao, who has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Manchester City.
The Rossoneri have refused to sell him in previous windows but now they could be forced to given his deal expires in 2024. Leao’s performance level has dropped compared to last season when he was Serie A MVP, but he would still command a fee of around €100m according to El Nacional.