Barcelona and AC Milan are reportedly in contact regarding a summer move for 25-year-old Portuguese international Rafael Leao, who wants to join the Blaugrana this summer.
According to an update by Jose Alvarez Haya on El Chiringuito TV, Rafael Leao is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The AC Milan attacker has emerged as the top target for the Blaugrana to bolster the frontline before the summer transfer window shuts down. They have already contacted the Serie A giants to discuss a move for the player.
In addition, the 31-cap Portuguese international is keen on joining Barcelona before the summer transfer window shuts down. However, a deal might not materialise, with Adrian Sanchez claiming Leao is “non-transferrable” for AC Milan. In addition, a release clause worth €170 million in his contract with the Rossoneri has expired after the turn of the month.
Rafael Leao and his AC Milan journey so far
Rafael Leao has been one of the best players in Serie A since joining AC Milan from LOSC Lille in August 2019. The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength at San Siro in the last half a decade and was instrumental in the Rossoneri returning to the summit of Italian football in the 2022/23 season.
Leao has turned out over 200 times thus far for AC Milan while amassing 58 goals and 50 assists. In addition, the mercurial attacker is a regular for Portugal, making 31 appearances for the Seleccao. Meanwhile, the player’s progress at the Serie A club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona.
Barcelona interested
Barcelona’s interest in Rafael Leao is understandable. The Catalan giants have been keen on signing a wide attacker in the summer transfer window, with Nico Williams being the top target for the club for several weeks. However, the Spanish international will likely remain with Athletic Club for another season.
So, the Catalan giants have been scouring the market for alternatives, with Leao emerging as their latest target. The latest update has revealed that Barcelona and AC Milan are in contact regarding a move for the 25-year-old. In addition, Leao is keen on joining Barcelona before the summer transfer window shuts down.
However, with Adrian Sanchez claiming the Serie A giants do not want to entertain any offers for Leao, a summer move will unlikely see the light of day. In addition, the 31-cap Portuguese international might be too expensive for the Blaugrana.
