Rafael Leao: Man United’s interest in AC Milan star explained | OneFootball

Manchester United are refusing to rule out a spectacular raid for AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao after making contact over a deal, a new report reveals.

Ready To Move On

After seven years at the San Siro, returning 80 goals and 65 assists in 291 appearances, Leao looks set to depart the Italian giants this summer, even after producing a reasonable record this season.

Rafael Leao Stats: 2025/26 Season

Clashes with the coaching staff and concerns over the 26-year-old’s attitude are weighed against a contract which expires in 2028, meaning this window would be the Rossoneri’s last chance to command a sizeable fee for the left winger.

Despite a release clause worth €175 million, AC Milan are understood to be asking for a fee in the region of €50-60 million (£43-50 million). This has put a number of teams on alert over a cut-price deal for a player who remains one of the most talented forwards in Europe, but has struggled with the mentality to apply his potent pairing of physical and technical qualities.

Leao’s teammate Luka Modric, a man who knows a thing or two about world-class wingers, believes the Portugal international is “one of the best players in the world” in training – with the scope to improve even further.

United ask to be kept informed

The Red Devils are one of the clubs keeping tabs on the situation in Milan as INEOS consider options to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.

A midfield revamp is the priority, with up to £150 million of the summer budget set aside to fix the stalling engine room. However, a left-sided forward is also on the agenda – making Leao’s price slash an attractive option.

Caught Offside reveals United, alongside Arsenal, hold “some genuine interest” in the Almada native, though he is not considered a “top target” by either Premier League rival. Rather, he is seen as a “market opportunity”, with Old Trafford chiefs making contact with his camp to ask to be “kept informed on his situation”.

Interest in Leao is strongest from Turkiye as Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are both looking to strike a deal. The Super Lig champions are said to be the “most likely” winners after opening talks with the player directly, according to Fotomac.

Bayern Munich are another suitor as the Bavarian giants look to add more “depth in attack”, having missed out on Anthony Gordon after FC Barcelona hijacked their deal for the Newcastle winger – a move which has complicated Marcus Rashford’s hopes of remaining at Camp Nou.

Final Thoughts

Leao poured fuel on the fire of a potential switch to Old Trafford after publicly declaring he likes United as his idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is understood to be prioritising a switch to England over options like Turkey or Saudi Arabia, despite the certainty of earning far more in either country.

Whether United choose to escalate their interest into a formal move remains to be seen. But the fact INEOS have asked to be “kept in the loop” indicates it is one to keep an eye on as the summer window progresses.

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