Manchester United have renewed their interest in AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese star's potential departure set to fund a significant attacking rebuild for the Serie A club, according to reports from Italy. The Red Devils, currently third in the Premier League under manager Michael Carrick, are planning for a future squad capable of challenging in the Champions League and see Leao as a player who could provide a dominant presence on the left flank, rotating with Matheus Cunha. While United's primary target is said to be Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, Leao represents a more financially accessible alternative, with Milan reportedly willing to begin negotiations for a fee around 50 million euros.
For Milan, the sale of Leao would generate the capital required to pursue their own striker targets ahead of an anticipated return to the Champions League. The club's hierarchy, led by Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igor Tare, no longer considers the 26-year-old indispensable and is prepared to listen to offers, a stance influenced by his inconsistent form over the past two seasons and recent discontent from sections of the San Siro crowd. Leao, who joined Milan from Lille in 2019 and has a contract until 2028 worth a reported 5.5 million euros net per season, is understood to be open to a departure only for a club of equivalent prestige, having ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia.
The operational landscape suggests any formal discussions will be deferred until both clubs have mathematically secured their Champions League places for next season. United are reportedly keen to offload several players who no longer fit their plans, and an intermediary FIFA agent is already working to bring the two clubs to the table. While Milan would prefer a straight cash deal, United could potentially include players in any transaction. Among the names mentioned as possible makeweights are midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who has been offered to other clubs by his agent Jorge Mendes, and winger Marcus Rashford, though his high wages – previously a deterrent for Milan – and a 30 million euro purchase option held by Barcelona complicate his inclusion.
Should Leao depart, Milan's primary objective is to sign a new centre-forward. The current first choice is Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth, who is eager to leave Atletico Madrid and has indicated a preference for a move to the Rossoneri. The club is also revisiting a past interest in Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, whose time at Manchester United has been disappointing following his 11-goal Serie A season with Bologna in 2023-24. Milan backed away from a deal in 2024 due to agent fees demanded by Kia Joorabchian, but Zirkzee's diminished status and minimal playing time this season – just 551 minutes across 21 appearances – presents a new opportunity. The club's management believes his technical profile would complement those of Christian Pulisic and Sorloth in a revamped attack.
The financial reality is that Milan cannot expect to receive anywhere near Leao's 175 million euro release clause, settled for a figure closer to a third of that amount. The generated funds would also allow the club to explore other striking options, including Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic – who is yet to renew his contract – and Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos, though the latter two would command higher fees than Sorloth. For Manchester United, securing Leao would represent a statement signing as they build under Carrick, while for Milan, it would mark the end of a seven-year chapter and the beginning of a calculated reconstruction of their frontline.
