Manchester City have reportedly promised Pep Guardiola the signing of Rafael Leao and ready to step up the chase for the AC Milan talisman.
According to Fichajes, Manchester City will prioritise the signing of Rafael Leao next summer after the club promised Pep Guardiola the AC Milan winger. The Premier League champions are ready to step up the chase for the winger, a target for Chelsea and Manchester United.
Rafael Leao continues to grab headlines amid an uncertain future at AC Milan. The electric winger remains on the radars of top clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester United. The Portuguese attacker was the Serie A MVP last season, helping the Rossoneri win the league title with his terrific performances.
Chelsea have been keen on signing the winger since the summer but saw their efforts snubbed by Milan during that period. Todd Boehly holds the player in high regard and could attempt a January bid to tempt the Portuguese international. Meanwhile, other clubs, including Manchester United and Barcelona, also chase the Portuguese star.
Leao’s contract expires in 2024, but his current deal includes a huge release clause. Recent reports suggested Leao and Milan are negotiating a new contract, which may come as a blow to clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.
However, Manchester City have entered the chase and could prioritise Leao’s arrival in the summer. The Premier League champions want to make a statement signing after the season ends after making a promise to Pep Guardiola.
After months of speculation, Guardiola has agreed to sign a new deal with Manchester City, which could keep him until 2025. The club seemingly promised the Catalan tactician to make a concerted effort to sign Leao next summer.
Guardiola reportedly wants a new player that elevates the quality of the team. Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus’s departures have reduced their attacking rate. And the Manchester City manager wants more power from wide areas. Leao could become that star who has proved his abilities from the wing by regularly scoring or assisting.
Leao will not come cheap, although Manchester City will have fewer problems paying the required amount. There could be concern about an ongoing dispute with former employers Sporting CP as the winger owes them a huge sum of money.
Whether Manchester City look beyond those issues remains the question, although, from a quality perspective, Leao would be a brilliant fit. The competition from Chelsea and Manchester United will be a major issue, though.
