Milan Transfer Market: An Offer for Rafael Leao Has Arrived That Pleases Everyone

Rafa Leao is getting closer and closer to Aston Villa. Although the English club has not yet matched the four-year, €12 million-per-season offer put on the table by Galatasaray for the player, it is now in pole position to secure the Portuguese winger as he prepares to leave Milan. The deciding factor is above all Leao’s own desire, as he has indicated the Premier League as his preferred destination. In recent hours, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has had several phone conversations with the former Lille player to outline the Birmingham club’s plans and provide the technical assurances the playmaker has requested.

At the same time, Aston Villa is maintaining constant contact with Milan to reach a final agreement. The English club has submitted a total offer of 53 million euros, broken down into 8 million for the loan fee and 45 million for the mandatory buyout clause. The English club has also left the door open to purchasing Leao outright immediately—an option that Milan would prefer. Negotiations are therefore continuing in earnest, with both sides working to find the best solution.

On Wednesday, Galatasaray also made an offer to Milan of approximately 50 million euros, including bonuses. At this point, however, the player’s wishes could prove decisive and push Leao toward England. Aston Villa is ready to offer him a salary of 8 million euros per season, the maximum the club can afford. In the meantime, while awaiting developments regarding his future, Leao was not called up by Milan for the match against Venezia.