Transfer: Man Utd to sign AC Milan’s Rafael Leao next summer
Manchester United are reportedly determined to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao during next summer’s transfer window.
There was a host of speculation surrounding the Portugal international’s future in 2022, with Chelsea believed to have had at least two offers for him turned down.
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Leao’s future continued to be called into question throughout last season, but it was announced in June that he had signed a new contract at San Siro, with his terms due to run until June 2028.
The 24-year-old has again been a vital player for Milan this season, scoring three goals and registering four assists in 13 appearances in all competitions.
According to Fichajes, Man United have identified the attacker as a leading target, with the club planning to make a move for him during next summer’s transfer window.
The report claims that Milan remain determined to keep hold of Leao, and his contract situation has placed the Italian giants in a strong position when it comes to his future.
However, the Serie A outfit would find it difficult to resist a huge offer from another major European club, and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be showing an interest.
The capital giants could allegedly battle Man United for his signature, with the club preparing for the departure of Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Leao made the switch to Milan from Lille in 2019, and he has represented the Italian side on 176 occasions, scoring 46 goals and registering 40 assists in the process.
The Portuguese primarily operates as a left-sided forward, which is the position held by Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford, but the Englishman has only scored once during a difficult season to date.
Alejandro Garnacho is also an option in that area of the field, with the Argentina international currently the back-up to Rashford, with the bulk of his action coming off the bench this term.
Man United could see at least two attackers move on next year, with Jadon Sancho widely expected to leave in January following his falling-out with head coach Erik ten Hag.
Anthony Martial, meanwhile, only has a contract until next June, and there have been claims that Man United are prepared to let him leave, with West Ham United showing an interest.
Antony is another attacker who has struggled for the Red Devils this term, while Amad Diallo is yet to make a matchday squad in 2023-24 due to a knee injury that he suffered during pre-season.