Manchester United have joined Chelsea in the race to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao next summer.
Chelsea were believed to be interested in Rafael Leao towards the end of the past summer transfer window but were blown by AC Milan’s price tag. The Portuguese international, 23, has been a key player for Milan ever since joining the club from Lille in 2019 and helped the club win the Scudetto for the first time in 11 years the last term.
He has started the 2022/23 season impressively as well, registering four goals and eight assists in 13 games across all competitions. Leao’s performances have seemingly caught the eye of Manchester United.
The Red Devils reportedly sent scouts to Italy to watch the 23-year-old in action last week. The forward has a contract with Milan until 2024 but could be available for a cut-price deal next year for the aforementioned clubs if he fails to renew it.
Erik ten Hag wants to refresh his attacking options
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United is uncertain and there is a huge possibility he leaves the club at the end of the season. Anthony Martial’s fitness has been a problem again this season, with the Frenchman recently suffering a back problem.
The lack of a potent goalscorer who can also chip in with valuable assists is something Erik ten Hag lacks in his squad. Despite paying big bucks for Antony in the summer, Ten Hag knows that signing an elite forward may be what Man United needs to take them to the next level.
Could Rafael Leao transform Man United’s attack?
Man United are monitoring Rafael Leao’s progress at Milan and may launch a bid in 2023. A left-winger by trade, Leao is also comfortable playing down the middle as a No.9 and producing impactful performances for his team.
The 23-year-old is young, quick, direct and creative while possessing the technical qualities to drop deep and link up play. The Portuguese also has the physical attributes to shrug off players and win aerial duels against defenders, which should help him adapt to the robust demands of the Premier League.
Leao has the attributes to hit the ground running at Man United, adding pace, flair and goals to Ten Hag’s side. Under the Dutch tactician, he can sharpen the rough edges of his game and become a complete forward. The ex-Lille man has the potential to transform Man United’s attack, whilst adding much-needed depth within the squad to challenge the likes of Man City and Liverpool for the Premier League title.
It is no secret that Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Leao for some time and could even reignite their interest in him at the end of the season. Man United are scouting the Milan star and have the resources to pull off the signing, so it will be intriguing to see who comes out on top in winning the race for the 23-year-old forward’s signature.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
