Barcelona are reportedly lining up a summer move to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao and are prepared to use Francisco Trincao in a potential swap deal.
According to a report from Italian publication Pianeta Milan, La Liga giants Barcelona are interested in signing Portuguese forward Rafael Leao from AC Milan in the summer as they attacking reinforcements.
It is no secret that Barcelona are in a dire situation financially. However, the Catalan club will need to plan for the season ahead and a big issue for them is the future of captain and talisman Lionel Messi. The veteran Argentine is out of contract at the end of the ongoing campaign and it does not seem like he will be extending his stay at the club.
Barcelona, thus, will need to replace him and even in the scenario that he does stay, bolstering their attack is a bit of a necessity considering as Martin Braithwaite has been a disappointing addition to the ranks. To that end, the Blaugrana have reportedly identified Rafael Leao as a potential transfer target.
Having come through the youth ranks at Sporting Lisbon, the 21-year-old shot to fame during his time at French club Lille before he was signed up by AC Milan in the summer of 2019. The Portuguese did not have the best of the debut campaigns in Italy but has shown signs of promise in the 2020/21 season.
So far this term, Leao has produced a return of six goals and five assists from 24 games in all competitions. Able to play anywhere across the frontline, the Portuguese U-21 international is valued at €40 million and is held in the highest of regard in Milan, who see him as an integral part of the club’s future.
Barcelona, who are likely to find it hard to come up with the transfer fee, are hoping to convince AC Milan to part ways with the former Sporting Lisbon man by offering them a player of their own in exchange, with Francisco Trincao being the player in question.
The 21-year-old moved to Camp Nou last summer from Braga but has failed to establish himself in Ronald Koeman’s side, having managed just eight starts across all competition. The Portuguese international has plenty of potential, but as per the report, Barcelona are prepared to use him in a swap deal to bring in his compatriot Leao.
Barcelona have also been linked with Olympique Lyon’s Memphis Depay, who will be a free agent in the summer. But they face competition from Juventus for the Dutchman. Any decision on who to bring in will only be made once Barcelona’s corporate affairs are in order after the presidential elections take place.