Luca Bianchin, a journalist, wrote the following in La Gazzetta dello Sport regarding the future of Portuguese forward Rafael Leão:
"The meeting between AC Milan and Fenerbahçe took place yesterday morning to discuss Rafa Leão. How did it go? It was exploratory, let's say. The meeting in Milan was held with Cihan Kamer, a Fenerbahçe representative who arrived from Turkey yesterday, and its purpose was to understand under what conditions Leão could move to Istanbul.
Milan are asking for a fee close to €50 million, while Fenerbahçe have not submitted any offer and are waiting. Waiting for what? The UEFA Champions League, first and foremost. This evening, Fenerbahçe will face Górnik Zabrze in the second leg of the second qualifying round after winning the first leg 1-0 in Turkey. If they progress, they will most likely face Sturm Graz in the third qualifying round, followed by a possible play-off. Naturally, qualifying would bring additional revenue and strengthen the club's ambitions in the transfer market.
At this stage, the situation remains open. To sign Leão, a club would realistically need around €40 million, along with a salary offer similar to the €10 million per season plus bonuses that Galatasaray were reportedly prepared to offer just a few weeks ago. Galatasaray themselves could once again become key players in the race, although over a longer timeframe. The Turkish club are not planning to complete the deal immediately and could realistically reach an agreement during the second half of August.
A loan deal with an obligation to buy cannot be ruled out, nor can the possibility of other interested clubs entering the race."
