Barcelona Take Concrete Steps to Sign Milan Stalwart Next Summer | OneFootball

La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly ready to step up their long-standing interest in Milan talisman Rafael Leao. According to Calciomercato, Los Blaugranas could launch an assault on the 25-year-old at the end of the season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has enlisted Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes to broker the deal. It’s no secret that Mendes wants to take Leao away from Milan. However, the winger’s contract at Stadio San Siro runs out in 2028.

That puts Milan in a strong bargaining position. Furthermore, Paulo Fonseca considers the former Lille megastar central to his project. Despite their frosty relationship at the start of the Portuguese coach’s tenure, they seem to have found common ground.

Therefore, the Italian giants have slapped a substantial €175 million asking price for their long-serving stalwart. Indeed, Milan renewed Leao’s contract in 2023, securing his services for another five years. They handed the 25-year-old an eye-watering €7m net per year salary, making him the club’s highest earner.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are on the lookout for a new forward. Hansi Flick’s charges hoped to sign Athletic Bilbao talisman Nico Williams last summer, only for the Spaniard’s extravagant price tag to scare them off. As a result, they’ve switched their attention to the Milan ace.

However, Barcelona can hardly match Leao’s price tag, let alone afford his wages. They already have to part company with Dani Olmo after failing to register his contract due to the ongoing struggle to meet La Liga’s Financial Fair Play salary cap.