Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £60 million bid for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao as the club looks to reshape its attacking options this summer.
The Red Devils have already bolstered their frontline with Matheus Cunha from Wolves and are in talks with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo. However, with Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho all considered expendable, United remain in the market for another high-profile forward.
According to CaughtOffside, United are closely monitoring Leao’s situation. Despite the Portuguese star having a £149m release clause in his Milan contract—valid until 2028—financial pressures at the Italian club could make a transfer possible for significantly less. United are said to be willing to offer £60m, although Milan are expected to hold out for a figure between £68m and £85m.
Leao, 25, had an impressive 2024–25 campaign, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions, including 10 assists in Serie A and three goals in the Champions League.
The pursuit of Leao won’t be easy. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich are also interested, and any potential deal would require United to outmaneuver these rivals. Moreover, all three of United’s current targets—Cunha, Mbeumo, and Leao—are not natural centre-forwards, which raises questions about tactical fit.
Although Leao can play centrally, his preferred position remains on the left wing, where he’s most dangerous. This overlap with Cunha and Mbeumo could complicate squad balance unless one of them is converted into a regular striker—an area United struggled with throughout the 2024–25 season.
While the signing of a star like Leao would energize the fanbase, Erik ten Hag—or his successor—must weigh the excitement against the need for a genuine No. 9.Tools
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