Manchester United have made formal enquiries over a deal to sign Rafael Leão from AC Milan this summer, according to Italian transfer journalist Nicolo Schira.
The Portuguese winger has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players since joining Milan from Lille OSC back in the summer of 2019.
Leão played an important role in Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana success during the 2024/25 season, though the campaign was not without its turbulence for the forward.
The recently concluded season saw the 27-year-old come under growing criticism following several on-field scuffles that drew unwanted attention to his performances.
Schira reports that Leão is no longer part of Milan’s plans for the coming season and is expected to leave the club this summer.
United are now firmly among the clubs monitoring the situation, with the Red Devils making direct enquiries about the possibility of bringing him to Old Trafford.
Leão himself has made no secret of his desire to move to the Premier League, having previously spoken openly about his ambitions in an interview with Sport TV via talkSPORT.
“I need a new challenge. I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while,” he said, underlining his determination to seek pastures new.
“The league is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or LaLiga would make more of my talent as a player,” he added.
“If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy. I think that I can put my talent up against the players there, who are of a very high level. Playing in that kind of a league really gets the best out of a player,” he continued.
Leão’s 13 goal contributions last season represent a notable drop from the 25 he recorded in 2023/24 and the 29 he produced in 2022/23, though his underlying numbers remained competitive.
He posted an 83.7% pass success rate across the campaign, created 23 chances, and demonstrated his ability to drive transitions with 77.8% accuracy on long balls.
With both player and club aligned on a departure, United will hope to negotiate a deal in the region of Leão’s £42m Transfermarkt valuation if they decide to firm up their interest.