AC Milan ready to sanction ‘cut-price’ Rafael Leao deal as Man United line up signing
Rafael Leao is one of many stars on Manchester United’s shortlist of winger targets for the upcoming transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The AC Milan star is set to be available for a “cut-price” fee after the Rossoneri missed out on Champions League football for next term, and they are willing to sell the Portuguese this summer.
The 26-year-old is on the radar of several clubs across Europe heading into the window, although sources say that he is not one of United’s “top targets” at present.
Michael Carrick’s side have a new wideman as one of their main priorities to add to the squad ahead of next season, and Leao is among a lengthy list of names that they are currently considering.
United’s transfer plans are also set to see the centre of midfield targeted for major upheaval, while a new left-back is also on their summer shopping list.
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VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBHow much will it take to sign Rafael Leao this summer?
Leao endured a mixed campaign at the San Siro this term, but his time with Milan has seen him establish himself as one of the most consistent forwards in Europe’s top five leagues.
He notched 23 or more goal contributions for four consecutive seasons in a red and black shirt before his numbers dipped in 2025-26, but he still managed to hit double figures for goals in all competitions.
| Stats | Leao Totals |
| Apps (Starts) | 29 (23) |
| G/A | 12 |
| Shots on Target per 90 | 1.16 |
| Successful Dribbles per 90 | 1.26 |
| Chances Created per 90 | 1.11 |
| Conversion Rate | 14.3% |
Capable of playing out wide or as a central striker, Leao has become accustomed to the Champions League across several years of exposure to Europe’s elite club competition.
United are returning to that stage next term, and are looking to reinforce their squad with players of proven pedigree at that level of football.
Leao may not be at the top of their list at the moment, but he is clearly an appealing option at Old Trafford given his price tag.
🚨 Rafael Leão is available for £43M this summer.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 24, 2026
(Source: La Gazetta Dello Sport) pic.twitter.com/IgiIs0tMDC
Gazzetta Dello Sport have previously reported that the former Sporting CP man is available for as little as £43million this summer, and that is already attracting attention from some of Europe’s top sides.
Mason Mount mistake backs Man United into a corner
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Carrick will be under pressure to get the best out of Mason Mount this season.
The Red Devils inserted Champions League clauses in several of their players’ contracts, and their qualification now means that Mount is set to earn a weekly wage of £250,000.
Wyness feels that the move was a clear error from the club, and added that Carrick has now been backed into a corner a little, as he will be expected to get a tune out of a player who has struggled for form and fitness of late.
He also noted that it will be “very hard” for the club to negotiate the former Chelsea midfielder out of that position, given that it has benefited him with a significant wage hike.
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