AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy, who has been linked to Chelsea and Manchester City, will not be leaving the club this summer. An official announcement from the Italian club confirmed the player will be staying at the San Siro.
"There has been a meeting between Adriano Galliani [AC Milan vice president], Stephan El Shaarawy and the young star's entourage," Milan announced on their official website.
"Everything went well. Stephan has always been an AC Milan fan and has reiterated his determination to continue playing for the Rossoneri," the statement continued. "That pledge was reciprocated by Milan, with conviction. Milan and El Shaarawy will move forward together, as they have since 2011."
"No more talk of the transfer market, no more rumours. AC Milan, the Rossoneri colours and the 'Faraone' will absolutely continue on together."
It was rumored that new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho had placed the Italian on a shortlist of players he would like to bring to Stamford Bridge. Figures being touted for the sale were a staggering £30 million. The figures reflect the immense potential of the player, who is just 20 years of age.
El Shaarawy, who had to contend with added responsibility following the sale of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to PSG last summer, impressed in his second season at the club. Last season, he scored 19 goals in all competitions for Milan and three for the Italian Under-21 side. The 'Pharoah', as he is affectionately called by Milan fans because of his Egyptian decent, also earned a call-up to the senior national side, making ten appearances for the Azzuri and scoring one goal. El Shaarawy was crowned Milan's best player for 2012, and picked up the Serie A young player of the year award.
Speculation over the Italy international's future began after Milan vice president hinted that the player could be for sale.
"El Shaarawy? We never said he is not for sale," Adriano Galliani said on 12 June.
The player can operate across the front three, but is better suited to playing the wide-forward as opposed to the target man.
