La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing Rafael Leao, valued at €100 million by AC Milan, as a possible alternative to Kylian Mbappe.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Rafael Leao has emerged on Real Madrid’s radar as a possible alternative to Kylian Mbappe. The Portuguese international has a €100 million price tag but could leave AC Milan in the summer transfer window.
Rafael Leao took some time to get going at AC Milan. But there was no stopping the 22-year-old once he came into his own. The young winger was instrumental in AC Milan’s Serie A title triumph this season, amassing 11 goals and ten assists in 34 league outings while winning the MVP award following a successful campaign.
The Portuguese international was sensational when AC Milan cruised to a 3-0 win over Sassuolo this past weekend, with the victory delivering the title to the Rossoneri. Leao’s exploits have not gone unnoticed either, with some of the most high profile clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from their inability to land Kylian Mbappe in a Bosman move. The French international turned his back on Los Blancos to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain, even though widespread reports had claimed that he had reached an agreement on personal terms with them.
But Real Madrid will not have much time to lick their wounds, considering signing a wide attacker is a crucial objective for the summer, with Gareth Bale set to depart as a free agent. In addition, Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard face uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu, prompting Real Madrid to scour the market for alternatives for Mbappe.
To that end, the Spanish giants are considering several options, including interestingly, Robert Lewandowski, with Leao also a viable target. But the Portuguese international will cost a bomb in the summer transfer window, with AC Milan set to demand €100 million to part with him.
Considering his status as the best player in Serie A, Leao’s €100 million price tag is hardly surprising. But with Real Madrid no longer having to invest heavily in Mbappe, they could afford to pay €100 million to secure the services of the AC Milan talisman in the summer transfer window.