Milan Transfer Market: Rafael Leão Rejects Two Offers; Rossoneri Furious

Since the beginning of the summer, Rafael Leão has been living as a “separated” player at Milan: Ruben Amorim told him he would not be a key part of the Rossoneri’s plans, and in recent days, Gerry Cardinale avoided speaking directly with the former Sporting player during his visit to Milanello.

Galatasaray was among the first clubs to express interest in Leão, but the star took his time, and in the last few hours, he appears to have decided to definitively reject a move to Istanbul. The Giallorossi, who were beginning to grow tired of the player’s attitude, have therefore stepped up talks with Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr.

Aston Villa also made a move for Rafael Leão, but the Portuguese player turned down that offer as well. The Villains set their sights on him following the discontent caused by Ollie Watkins’ behavior, as he did everything he could to force a transfer to Saudi Arabia.

However, the Aston Villa option cannot be entirely ruled out: if no other offers come in, Leão might reconsider and accept a move to Birmingham, but nothing has been decided yet. Newcastle is a bit further behind; they have informally tested the waters in recent days but have not yet decided whether to make a concrete offer.

The sale of the Portuguese player should help Milan make a move in the attacking midfield: Ruben Amorim wants a highly offensive team with exceptional technical ability; with this in mind, the players under close scrutiny are Brahim Díaz, who left a wonderful impression in Milan, and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. Both players are valued at no less than 40 million euros.