Aston Villa have made a serious approach to AC Milan for Rafael Leão as Unai Emery’s side attempt to pull off one of the biggest transfers of the closing stages of the summer window.
Villa have opened discussions with Milan over the Portugal international and, crucially, Leão is understood to be open to a move to Villa Park. The clubs must now negotiate the financial terms required to turn the approach into an agreement.
Sky Sports reports that Villa are serious about signing the 27-year-old as they seek further attacking reinforcements before the deadline.
Leão open to Aston Villa move
Sky in Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Villa have approached Milan directly and Leão has indicated he would be receptive to the potential Premier League switch.
That represents an important breakthrough, although there is currently no agreement between the two clubs and the transfer remains at the negotiation stage.
Reports in Italy suggest Milan could be prepared to consider offers in the region of €50m to €60m for the winger, although the eventual valuation remains part of the negotiations.
Villa are not necessarily alone in pursuing him. Football Italia reports that Tottenham and Galatasaray have also been involved in discussions surrounding Leão’s future.
Villa target major attacking reinforcement
Villa’s pursuit comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Ollie Watkins.
Sky Sports reports that the club are looking to strengthen their forward options and have also made contact with Crystal Palace regarding Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Leão would represent a major statement signing. The Portugal international has been with Milan since arriving from Lille in 2019 and remains under contract at San Siro until 2028.
He has established himself as one of Serie A’s leading attacking players and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player when Milan won the title in 2021-22.
Negotiations now key to blockbuster deal
Villa’s approach has now put the focus firmly on whether the Premier League club and Milan can bridge the gap over the financial package.
Reports on Tuesday indicate discussions are active rather than merely exploratory, while Leão’s willingness to consider Villa gives Emery’s club encouragement that a deal is achievable if an agreement can be struck with Milan.
With the transfer window entering its final stages, negotiations will determine whether Villa can turn their ambitious approach into one of the headline signings of the summer.
