AC Milan and Portugal forward Rafael Leao are reportedly keeping an eye on him, with him regularly linked with a move to Manchester United in the Premier League.
Rafael Leao has two years left on his contract at San Siro (Image: Getty Images)
Rafael Leao is expected to turn down a move to the Premier League this summer despite recently speaking of his admiration for Manchester United. The Portuguese forward has been linked with a move from AC Milan this summer.
Leo, 26, is one of the assets being favored for a move as the club look to rebuild in the summer after a disappointing season. Previously, it was suggested that he might be allowed to leave the club through price negotiations, but Leo himself doesn’t seem to have any particular interest in leaving the club.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the player has already spoken to club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic and expressed his desire to stay and overcome the difficult season ahead. He has the goal of becoming the club’s main player again. Earlier this week, the forward said: “It was a season that tested my physical and psychological state to the maximum. Only those who have been through it closely with me know how difficult it was.
“Therefore, I would like to thank everyone who has done the possible and the impossible to take this season in a completely different direction. May Milan win again next season.”
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Leo joined Milan from Lille in 2019, making 291 appearances and scoring 80 goals. He has two years left on his contract at San Siro.
Despite his decision to remain at Milan, Leo has made his love for several Premier League teams abundantly clear recently. When asked if he’s been watching a lot of Premier League football lately, he replied: “Yeah, definitely.”
Asked if he watched any particular team, Leo said: “No, I like United. My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo so I like United. So I used to watch a lot back then. And yeah, I watched Manchester United too. I like Arsenal too. Arsenal, yeah.”
Leo and AC Milan have endured a difficult season this term (Image: Getty Images)
Both United and Arsenal are expected to have a busy summer, but it remains to be seen whether Leo could be included in their plans for next season if he changes his decision to stay.
The Red Devils have made a new central midfielder their number one target following Casemiro’s departure in favor of Atalanta’s Ederson. However, United have conceded defeat to Manchester City in the race to sign Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson.
As for Arsenal, much could depend on the number of players allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners continue to be linked with a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, and if he arrives, Gabriel Jesus could be on the move.
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