Manchester United are reportedly chasing AC Milan star Rafael Leao, making him a top target for the summer 2026 transfer window.
It’s a big move for the club. Reports surfaced within the last 48 hours, detailing United’s interest in the Portuguese winger. New leadership under INEOS is pushing hard for a major left-wing signing, and Leao sits at the top of their list.
The club isn’t just looking at one player, though. Leao is part of a three-player shortlist. Sources close to the club say they’ve got their eyes on two other Premier League-based wingers too. So, it’s not a single-minded pursuit, but Leao is definitely the headline act right now.
United’s Push for Leao Heating Up
INEOS, now calling the shots at Old Trafford, apparently wants to accelerate plans for a significant investment on the left flank. The current 2025/26 season is underway, but their focus is already on making a splash next summer. This isn’t just talk, it’s about reshaping the squad for manager Ruben Amorim.
AC Milan, Leao’s current club, reportedly values their star winger around €80 million. That’s a hefty price tag, but one United might be willing to meet.
The Italian club hasn’t made any official statements about selling, but these reports suggest they’d be open to a deal at that valuation. You can find some of the early details on this developing story over at Goal.com.
Nobody’s confirmed anything yet. No official bids have gone in. No negotiations started. But the buzz is there. And it’s loud.
The Broader Winger Strategy
Leao might be the primary target, but Manchester United’s transfer strategy runs deeper. The club’s shortlist has three names on it for that left-wing spot.
Beyond Leao, there are two other wingers from the Premier League who are drawing United’s attention. Names aren’t out there yet for those two. But it makes sense. Looking at domestic options can sometimes simplify things, you know, with adaptation and all.
Ruben Amorim, the man in charge, is clearly looking to rebuild this squad. And wingers are a big part of that plan. We’ve heard whispers about other targets before, like Matheus Cunha, but those seem separate from this specific shortlist.
This focus on a few key players shows a more targeted approach. It’s about bringing in players who fit the system Amorim wants to build. These choices aren’t random. They’re about fitting a specific profile.
The club wants options. And they want quality. The idea of having elite Premier League players as alternatives makes a lot of sense for a club like United. It’s a pragmatic move. More on the transfer landscape can often be found at places like 90min, which covers broader transfer discussions.
Milan’s Own Contract Battle
While United’s interest in Leao grows, AC Milan isn’t just sitting by. They’re actually in talks to extend Leao’s contract. That says a lot about their desire to keep him at the club. It’s not a simple situation. There are talks about salary. And how long the new deal would be. These are important details for any player.
Milan sees Leao as a superstar. He’s a crucial part of their team. So, they’re fighting to keep him. But the reports of United’s interest could complicate those negotiations.
No one from AC Milan, United, or Leao himself has said anything publicly about these transfer links. It’s all very quiet on the official front. Goal.com often covers these contract situations in detail.
It’s a classic transfer saga in the making. Milan wants to hold on. United wants to buy. And Leao’s future hangs in the balance.
We’ll have to wait until summer 2026 to see how it all plays out. But for now, the reports are clear: Manchester United has a plan, and Rafael Leao is at the heart of it.
Ishaan Singh 
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