DUBLIN, IRELAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Leao of Portugal reacts after the team’s defeat during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at Aviva Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan need to sell Rafael Leao to finance the purchase of Konstantinos Karetsas and Aston Villa are seen as one of the clubs that might tempt the Portuguese winger.
Milan are waiting for offers for Rafael Leao, who confirmed at the end of May his desire to leave San Siro.
Leao transfer: Milan still waiting for offers
The Rossoneri certainly feel the same, with Gazzetta claiming that even an offer in the region of €50m could tempt the Serie A giants into selling the 27-year-old, who has a €175m release clause.
Barcelona and Manchester United have sounded out the winger’s availability, but have made no formal offers so far.
Leao is not currently considering a move to Turkey or the Saudi Pro League and still hopes for an offer from one of Europe’s top five leagues, especially the English Premier League.
Gazzetta notes that after the sales of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa certainly have the financial resources to make a big investment in Leao, but it remains to be seen whether Unai Emery sees the Portuguese as a valuable addition to his team and if Leao would agree to join the Birmingham-based club.
Aston Villa are already in talks with Milan to sign their left-back Pervis Estupinan.
Milan have appointed ex-Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim as their new coach and, as Football Italia explained on YouTube, the Portuguese is eager to bring in a classic attacking midfielder rather than a winger, so Leao will be allowed to leave if the Rossoneri receive a suitable offer.
Genk star Karetsas has emerged as Milan’s priority for the attacking midfield role, but according to Gazzetta, the Rossoneri need to sell Leao to potentially secure a deal for the Greek talent, especially after investing nearly €100m in Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila.
