AC Milan reject Galatasaray bid for Rafael Leao as Premier League interest grows

AC Milan have rejected an opening offer from Galatasaray for Portugal winger Rafael Leao, with the Turkish club proposing a package worth €30m plus a further €5m in potential bonuses.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, AC Milan believe Leao is worth considerably more than Galatasaray’s initial valuation and are seeking a fee in the region of €50m to €60m before they would consider allowing him to leave.

Leao remains one of the key players in the AC Milan squad, meaning the Italian club are not expected to sanction his departure easily. Their priority is to secure the maximum possible financial return should a transfer eventually be agreed.

The 27-year-old is also understood to feel settled at AC Milan and has been producing good performances under new manager Ruben Amorim. His position within the team has improved after a period in which his departure appeared increasingly likely and he had fallen out of favour in the club’s plans.

The situation remains unresolved following AC Milan’s decision to turn down Galatasaray’s first proposal. It is not yet clear whether the Turkish side will return with an improved offer or whether interest from clubs in the Premier League will develop into formal negotiations.

Leao’s representatives are continuing to explore the options available to their client. English reports have suggested that the player has been offered to several Premier League clubs to establish whether a move could be arranged.

Manchester United and Arsenal are among the clubs contacted, while Leeds United have also been approached. The inclusion of Leeds United has attracted attention because of the significant difference between the English club’s ambitions and those of the Portugal international.

Leao’s future is therefore still open, with Galatasaray’s rejected bid the first clear indication of the level at which AC Milan are prepared to negotiate. Any further developments could depend on whether the Turkish club increases its offer or Premier League interest becomes more concrete.

Leao has made 227 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 64 goals and providing 45 assists. He has established himself as an important attacking figure for the club during his time in Italy.

AC Milan finished last season in fifth place with 70 points. They will begin the new campaign at home to Torino on Sunday, 23 August.