With Kylian Mbappé out of their hands, at least for the moment, Real Madrid have turned their sights toward Milan’s very own forward ace, Rafael Leao. Missing out on the French star seemed to have destroyed Los Blancos’ hopes of reinforcing their already-impressive attack, but the Portuguese sensation has similar traits to the Spanish side’s long sought-after target.
Leao has played a key role in Milan’s resurgence on top of Serie A, having etched 12 assists and 14 goals in 42 appearances in the recent title-winning campaign, also the most prolific of his seven seasons as a professional footballer.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews), the Spanish champions are ready to splash as much as €120M for Leao. In spite of the high numbers involved, it is understood that the Rossoneri do not want to part ways with their most valuable player, who is valued at €50M – according to transfermarkt.
Gazzetta – Milan, il Real Madrid piomba su Leao: in Spagna si vocifera di un'offerta da 120 milioni, ma il Diavolo vuole blindarlo https://t.co/GVasbppGST
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) May 25, 2022
Milan would rather offer the Portuguese attacker an extension deal until 2026, an additional two years to his existing contract that expires in 2024. His release clause is weighed in at €150M, but the Rossoneri are confident that Madrid will not reach that figure in terms of negotiation. Leao was named Serie A Player of the Season 2021/22 for his contribution to the Scudetto.