Ruben Amorim would reportedly prefer to sell the Portuguese winger, with Milan lowering their valuation to €40-45 million as Galatasaray remain interested.
Rafael Leão is increasingly likely to leave AC Milan before the transfer window closes, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Leão is not among the four players completely excluded from Ruben Amorim’s squad, but the Milan coach has reportedly delivered a clear assessment to owner Gerry Cardinale. Amorim would prefer the Portuguese international to be sold this summer.
The decision is based on both tactical and dressing-room considerations. Gazzetta reports that Amorim does not consider Leão an ideal fit for his preferred style of football, particularly when it comes to operating in tighter spaces and exploiting the half-spaces.
There are also concerns surrounding the winger’s influence within the squad after he previously made it clear that he was open to leaving Milan.
Milan have responded by lowering their asking price. After previously valuing Leão at around €50-60 million, the Rossoneri are now reportedly prepared to consider offers in the region of €40-45 million.
Galatasaray remain interested and have reportedly satisfied Leão’s financial demands with a package that could reach around €12 million per season including bonuses. However, the winger is not currently convinced by a move to Turkey and would prefer an opportunity in the Premier League.
Cardinale is expected to meet with Leão early next week to clarify his future. Milan are likely to explain that the club and Amorim would prefer to find a suitable transfer before the deadline.
Leão has also recently been linked with Roma, although his salary remains a significant obstacle for the Giallorossi. The reduced transfer valuation could make the operation more accessible from a fee perspective, but Roma would still need to overcome the considerable wage demands involved.
No matter what happens with Leão there are knock on effects across the entire market with one move leading to another.
If no suitable offer arrives, Amorim would be expected to reintegrate Leão and find a role for him in the Milan squad.
Leave a Reply