Rafael Leao is going to leave AC Milan this summer, and Liverpool have the chance to muscle Man United out of the driver’s seat in these negotiations.
Liverpool are set on adding an elite wide player to the attack this summer, with Mo Salah’s imminent exit a driving factor. If you’re a young, talented winger in Europe, chances are the recruitment team at Anfield have had a look.
Last weekend, it emerged that Liverpool made contact for Leao, but the current state of play has United in the lead to sign the Portuguese forward. That doesn’t mean the Reds should give up the chase — especially not at the price being discussed.
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AC Milan’s asking price makes Rafael Leao a bargain for Liverpool
A report from Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday shared the latest on Leao’s seemingly inevitable Milan exit. The 26-year-old has spent seven years at the San Siro, but he has been one of the more widely discussed attackers on the market for a couple of years now.
United have returned to Leao as they plan for next season, with intermediaries already sounding out both the player’s camp and AC Milan.
They are looking for a left-sided attacker to bolster their squad ahead of their Champions League return, although Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is said to remain their ‘first choice’.
The key reveal is the price. Milan no longer consider Leao ‘untouchable’ and would reportedly start talks at around £43 million, a huge drop from the £150 million release clause inserted when he was viewed as a future Ballon d’Or-level talent. It’s also a drop from the £60 million reported by English media.
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United would like to include Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte or Marcus Rashford, but Milan would prefer straight cash.
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Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford (Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan).
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That’s why Liverpool can take action. A cash-only deal might tempt the Nerazzuri to sell to us instead.
Leao has not reached the heights many tipped him to when he was breaking through all those years ago, but he’s still an ‘electric’ wide talent who would give Arne Slot the direct, pacey wing play he doesn’t quite get with someone like Cody Gakpo.
With fees approaching or exceeding £100 million now commonplace for an elite winger, £43 million looks an absolute steal, and FSG would be mad not to ramp up their interest.
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