Portuguese-Angolan Rafael Leao picks Aston Villa as preferred destination amid Galatasaray battle

Rafael Leao has reportedly made Aston Villa his preferred destination as the AC Milan winger weighs up a move away from the Italian giants before the summer transfer window closes.

The 27-year-old has emerged as a target for both Aston Villa and Turkish giants Galatasaray, with the two clubs pursuing different approaches to secure his signature.

Leao wants Aston Villa move

According to The Athletic’s John Townley, Leao has prioritised a move to Aston Villa despite Galatasaray currently being further along in negotiations with AC Milan.

The Portugal international has reportedly communicated his preference to join Unai Emery’s side, giving Villa encouragement as they attempt to find a deal that works for all parties.

Leao is understood to be outside Ruben Amorim’s plans at AC Milan and is expected to leave the club before the end of the transfer window.

His preference could now prove decisive as Villa work to bridge the gap between their proposal and Milan’s demands.

Galatasaray offer accepted

Galatasaray have reportedly submitted a €45 million offer for Leao, with AC Milan accepting the proposal.

The Turkish champions’ bid puts them in a strong position from the clubs’ perspective, but Leao’s reported desire to move to England could complicate their pursuit of the winger.

Aston Villa are instead seeking to sign Leao on an initial loan deal that would include an obligation to buy.

However, AC Milan are not currently open to that structure, leaving Villa needing to negotiate an arrangement that would satisfy the Italian club.

Villa working on deal structure

With Leao reportedly favouring a move to Villa Park, Emery’s side are now focused on finding a financial formula capable of convincing Milan to approve the transfer.

The proposed loan-to-buy structure would allow Villa to spread the cost of the deal, but Milan’s willingness to accept such terms remains the key obstacle.

Leao’s preference nevertheless gives Villa an important advantage in negotiations. While Galatasaray have reportedly put a €45 million offer on the table that Milan have accepted, the player’s decision could ultimately influence where he ends up.

Villa must now turn Leao’s preference into an agreement with Milan before the transfer window shuts.

For now, Galatasaray have the accepted bid, but Aston Villa appear to have the player’s backing as the race for the highly rated winger enters its decisive stage.