Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a swoop for AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Rafael Leao as they look to bolster their attacking unit.
According to a report from Fichajes, Real Madrid have expressed an interest in securing the services of AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window of 2022.
A product of the Sporting CP youth academy, Leao managed just five senior appearances for the Portuguese outfit before signing for LOSC Lille in 2018. The 22-year-old enjoyed a fairly productive one-year spell with Les Dogues, bagging eight goals and two assists in 26 games, which was enough for AC Milan to take a punt on him in 2019.
Leao made a slow start to life in Italy but has gradually picked up the pace and become a first-team regular in Stefano Pioli’s side. The Portuguese has made 86 appearances for the Rossoneri so far, producing a return of 18 goals and 11 assists. He has been in particularly impressive form this season, already netting five goals in 13 games in all competitions.
Leao’s rising stature in Milan and his improved form led to him breaking into the Portuguese national team during the international break earlier this month. The 22-year-old has also started to attract interest from clubs across Europe, with La Liga giants Real Madrid said to be among his admirers as per the report mentioned above.
Real Madrid have a well-stocked attacking unit currently that consists of Karim Benzema, Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz as the centre-forwards. At the same time, Vinicius Junior, Eden Hazard, Rodrygo Goes, Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale are all options in the wide areas.
However, Jovic and Diaz are out of favour while Bale is out of contract at the end of the season. Furthermore, Hazard continues to be bogged down by injury problems leading to a steep decline in his stature. As a result, Real Madrid are looking to reinforce their attacking unit in the summer transfer window.
A free transfer swoop for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe is very much on the cards. But, Los Blancos want to add more options to their frontline, and someone like Leao, who can play through the middle or on the flanks, can be a viable transfer target.
The two-time capped Portuguese international has a contract with AC Milan that runs till the summer of 2024. Considering his importance in the team, the Rossoneri are unlikely to be willing to part ways with Leao and could demand top dollar from Real Madrid if they decide to firm up their interest in the forward.
