Rafael Leao rejects Saudi Pro League move as Galatasaray interest grows

Rafael Leao has rejected a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League and would prefer a move to Galatasaray, or to remain with AC Milan for another season, according to transfer journalist Nicolo Schira.

The Portugal winger is not currently interested in moving to Saudi Arabia, despite the size of the proposal, and is understood to favour joining the Turkish club instead.

However, negotiations face a significant financial gap. Galatasaray do not want to pay more than €35m for Leao, while AC Milan are seeking €50m for the 26-year-old.

Leao would be willing to stay at San Siro if AC Milan and Galatasaray cannot reach an agreement, the report adds.

Galatasaray have already made an opening offer for the forward. Tuttomercatoweb reported that the proposal was worth €30m, with a further €5m in add-ons, but AC Milan rejected it.

The Turkish champions’ interest comes as Leao’s future at AC Milan remains uncertain. Schira reported that the player had turned down the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League and that a switch to Galatasaray was his preferred option at this stage.

Leao has made 227 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 64 goals and providing 45 assists. He was not included in the club’s squad for their opening Serie A match against Torino on Sunday, when the Rossoneri secured an entertaining 2-1 victory.

AC Milan finished fifth in Serie A last season with 70 points. They will play Venezia in their second league match on Friday at San Siro.

The club’s financial demands remain the main obstacle to a possible transfer. Galatasaray’s initial offer fell short of AC Milan’s valuation, and the Turkish side’s reported maximum of €35m is still €15m below the Italian club’s asking price.

Unless that difference can be resolved, Leao may continue his career in Milan for at least another season. His preference, however, is reportedly a move to Galatasaray rather than a transfer to Saudi Arabia.