Rafael Leao, who missed the first league game of the season as he is still struggling with the muscular problem that ruled him out before the friendly against Manchester United, has been at the centre of Milan’s summer transfer window. Now, the latest update are concerning direct contact between the ownerships of Milan and Aston Villa, with Jorge Mendes acting as an intermediary, to open a dialogue between the clubs over the player’s valuation, although there are differences over the overall fee. There have still been no contacts with Leao’s entourage, who are not represented by Mendes, quite the opposite...
Al Hilal was also interested in Rafael Leao...
Rafa Leao never opened the door to a move to Saudi Arabia. Since the end of May, he has categorically ruled out this professional destination and remained consistent until the very end, instead being open to the possibility of staying at Milan until the end of his contract, which is due to expire on 30 June 2028. According to sources at Milannews.it a Saudi Pro League club made a serious attempt to express its interest in Rafa. It was Al-Hilal, who are keen on signing Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal for a reported fee around €60 million. Leao was their first choice, but the player never showed any openness to the move. Interestingly, Martinelli was also one of the options Galatasaray were considering should their negotiations for Leao collapse.
The situation is constantly evolving. Leao is waiting for developments from the clubs interested in him, while it is worth remembering that Galatasaray have an advantage over the English clubs when it comes to the transfer deadline, as transfers can be registered in Turkey until 23:59 on 4 September.
