Ruben Amorim hints Rafael Leao could leave Milan amid Galatasaray interest

Ruben Amorim has suggested Rafael Leao could leave Milan this summer, with Galatasaray increasing their offer for the Portugal winger as the transfer window approaches its deadline.

Leao has been linked with a move away from the Rossoneri, and Galatasaray are reported to have submitted a package worth 45m euros plus additional incentives for the 25-year-old.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Amorim said: “Rafael Leao is a very, very strong player. If Leao has the right mentality, he can play for any team in the world. But he needs to have the right mentality.”

The Milan manager added: “Sometimes you reach a stage where you have to move somewhere else. And at the moment, we are exactly at that stage.”

Amorim sought to avoid making any definitive statement about Leao’s future, saying: “I understand that you want to talk about the transfer market, but I do not know what will happen.”

He concluded: “Let’s talk about the transfer market at the upcoming news conferences, I promise you that.”

Galatasaray are continuing to negotiate with Milan in an attempt to close the deal before the summer window shuts. The Turkish club’s latest proposal is understood to include bonuses that should be relatively easy to achieve, reducing the gap between their offer and Milan’s valuation of Leao.

Milan are believed to value the player at 50m euros, leaving a difference of 5m euros between the guaranteed fee in Galatasaray’s proposal and the Italian club’s asking price.

Personal terms are not considered to be a major obstacle. Leao has reportedly agreed a four-year contract with Galatasaray worth 12m euros per season.

Aston Villa also remain in contention for the Portugal international, while Tottenham are further behind in the race. Aston Villa have the financial capacity to complete the transfer after a series of sales during the summer.

Ezri Konsa has moved to Arsenal, Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United and Morgan Rogers has transferred to Chelsea, while Ollie Watkins is close to completing a move to Al-Hilal.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery wants to add at least two more players to his attacking options. The club are also considering alternatives to Leao, including Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nicolas Jackson.

Leao made 31 appearances for Milan in all competitions last season, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists. His contract with the Italian club runs until June 2028.

The Portugal winger has rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League and would prefer either a transfer to Galatasaray or to remain in Italy. With the summer transfer window closing in the coming days, his next move is expected to be decided soon.