Milan accept Galatasaray bid for Leao; Villa seek loan option

AC Milan have accepted a €45 million offer from Galatasaray for Rafael Leao, who has been offered a net annual salary of €10-12 million. Aston Villa are pushing for a loan with an obligation to buy, but Milan prefer a permanent transfer. Leao has not yet decided his next move.

Leao's career path has taken him through Sporting CP's academy, a free transfer to Lille in 2018, and a move to Milan the following year. Across seven Serie A seasons, he has compiled 291 appearances with 80 goals and 61 assists, though last term saw him deployed primarily as a striker under Massimiliano Allegri rather than his natural left-wing role. He also featured in all five of Portugal's World Cup matches this summer.

Villa's interest arrives amid a substantial squad overhaul, with several first-team regulars already departed and Nicolas Jackson secured from Chelsea for £65 million. The club has added six players to Unai Emery's squad, including permanent signings and loan arrivals, while the potential Leao deal would represent another significant attacking addition following Ollie Watkins' £50 million exit to Al Hilal.