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Generated byThe most pressing question surrounding AC Milan this pre-season is whether Rafael Leao will stay or go, and the answer is shifting by the day. Milan rejected a €35 million offer from Galatasaray earlier this week, and with no serious alternative suitors emerging beyond Turkey, Leao is now expected to start against Chelsea in Jakarta on Saturday alongside Gonçalo Ramos and Nkunku. That combination could yet become Amorim's first-choice attacking setup, a significant change from the mood at the start of summer when Leao had made clear he wanted to leave.
The broader squad picture is one of transition. Ismael Bennacer's contract has been officially terminated by mutual consent, ending a seven-year association with the club that had already effectively wound down through loan spells at Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb. Amorim has also sent several young players back to Italy early, including Andrej Kostic, signalling that difficult decisions on squad size are already being made ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
Santiago Gimenez remains sidelined with an ankle injury picked up at the World Cup, adding further uncertainty to the striker picture alongside Ramos and Francesco Camarda. Amorim has acknowledged publicly that outgoings are needed before the club can bring in further reinforcements, particularly in attacking midfield. Milan drew 1-1 with Inter in Perth last Wednesday in a pre-season derby played in tribute to the late Franco Baresi, with Nkunku scoring a late penalty. The Chelsea fixture today offers another chance to build fitness and clarity before Serie A begins on August 23.


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