Manchester City surprisingly linked with Rafael Leao
When it comes to the transfer market, Manchester City are simply one of the best in the business.
The reports in Italy suggested that Manchester City are linked with Milan’s Rafael Leao.
AC Milan spent 29.5 million euros to sign the Portugal international from Lille in the summer of 2019. He has two years left on his current contract which expires in 2024.
In 109 appearances for Milan, Leao has managed to score 25 goals, and create 15 goals for his teammates.
The 22-year-old is considered to be one of the best forwards in Portugal. Leao has earned five senior caps for the Portugal national team but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his nation.
His performances have seen him become the target of many European clubs including Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola wants to sign a new forward and Leao is one of the names at the top of his wishlist. He has always been a manager who keeps his eyes on the most talented young players across the globe.
The English giants are desperate to make an impact in the summer transfer window.
The former Lille man will offer the Manchester City boss the freedom to be more flexible with his formations, tactics and team selections.
According to the report, “Manchester City are eyeing AC Milan striker Rafael Leao. Italian transfer expert Nicolo Schira is reporting City are interested in the Portugal international. Milan are willing to let the player go for no less than €70m. The club has offered Leao a contract until 2026 with a salary increase of up to €4.5m. The Milanese previously refused to sell the Portuguese to PSG.”
Euro Football Rumours
Manchester City will have to present a really enticing offer to bring AC Milan to the negotiating table. The English giants have the resources to tempt them but it will be interesting to see if they are willing to overpay for the player.
AC Milan would be wise to keep the Portugal international, but if they do let him go expect it to be for a hefty sum.
Rafael Leao ideal fit for Manchester City?
If City and Guardiola are seriously considering a forward, Leao could also prove to be a smart option.
It is smart from the club to invest in younger players, rather than splashing out big money on experienced players with no resale value.
A forward of Leao’s ceiling will be a massive addition to City squad as he will not only improve the overall quality of Guardiola’s starting XI but also add some stability and variety to his attacking department.
Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Manchester.
It will be interesting to see if City are willing to pay the asking price for Leao.
For all transfer rumors, news and much more regarding European football stay tuned to us at eurofootballrumours.com.
To stay up to date on the latest from Euro Football Rumours on social media, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr.
The content of this article does not reflect the official opinion of the eurofootballrumours.com. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the article lies entirely with the author.
Would Rafael Leao be a good signing for Man City?
Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.