Barcelona Offered AC Milan's Rafael Leao as Rashford Future Uncertain

Barcelona have been offered the chance to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao this summer, according to reports from Spain. The Catalan club are in the market for a left-sided attacker, with the future of current loanee Marcus Rashford at the club remaining unresolved.

Catalan outlet Sport, citing Italian publication Corriere della Sera, reports that the 26-year-old Portuguese international has been offered to Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 25 appearances this season, has reportedly fallen out of favour at the San Siro and could be available for a fee in the region of €50 million.

The potential move for Leao comes at a time of uncertainty over the future of Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford. Barcelona have an option to make Rashford's loan move from Manchester United permanent for a fee of €30 million, but it is rumoured they may be considering cheaper or younger alternatives. A meeting between Barcelona and Rashford's representatives is expected to shed more light on his future.

Barcelona have been long-term admirers of Leao. The club were heavily linked with the player two summers ago, when they were also pursuing Athletic Club's Nico Williams. At the time, a move was deemed too expensive, with his then €100 million release clause and perceived defensive lapses cited as concerns. His current contract with AC Milan runs until 2028.

Leao's situation at Milan has reportedly changed, with the player no longer a guaranteed starter under manager Paulo Fonseca. With his market value potentially lowered, Barcelona's Director of Football, Deco, may be presented with a more affordable opportunity to sign a player the club has tracked for several years. The potential transfer would represent a significant shift in Barcelona's forward planning, moving away from Rashford and towards a different profile of winger in Leao.