Arriving from Lille OSC in the summer of 2019 as a raw talent yet to be fully discovered, today, seven years later, Rafael Leão may have reached the closing chapter of his Rossoneri experience. AC Milan has found a place in his heart, but his inconsistent performances over the past two seasons, along with a tactical system unable to get the best out of him, mean the Portuguese is no longer considered untouchable by the club. For the future, options are being explored, with Manchester United leading the race among interested clubs, while Milan’s management assesses a range of attacking possibilities.
Three possible makeweights
As reported this morning by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United have once again shown interest in Rafael Leão. No negotiations have begun yet: both the Red Devils and the Rossoneri will think about it after securing their Champions League situations. However, Michael Carrick’s side have certainly started to plan a strategy, and among the names for the wing is also Milan’s number 10. Rafa has a contract until 2028, worth €5.5 million per season, and above all a €175 million release clause: as of today, Milan would reportedly ask for just a third of that, €50 million. The Rossoneri club would prefer cash only, but from Manchester they are also considering sweetening the deal with a player included. In this sense, there are three plausible names: renewed interest in Joshua Zirkzee, who has only played 21 matches this season; midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who Jorge Mendes has also offered to Juventus; and winger Marcus Rashford, who may not be signed permanently for €30 million by FC Barcelona. Three different options that could end up on the table in a potential negotiation.
Two favourites
Milan would prefer cash only, which would give them the chance, with around €50 million in hand, to rebuild their attack, considering that Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez are also expected to depart. The list of opportunities in this regard is very broad, although Massimiliano Allegri has his preferred profiles over others. The names most strongly indicated by the Italian coach are Alexander Sørloth, a 31-year-old at Atlético Madrid with whom there is already a good understanding, and Gonçalo Ramos, a 24-year-old who has fallen to the fringes at Paris Saint-Germain: the Portuguese striker would cost more. Other possible names include the ever-reliable Dušan Vlahović, who has yet to decide on his future, and Nicolas Jackson, who will return to Chelsea FC from his loan spell at Bayern Munich.
