Tottenham Hotspur have expressed interest in signing AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, according to reports, as the Portuguese international has publicly stated his desire to play in the Premier League. Spurs have been notably active in the transfer window, having already secured the services of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, and most recently, Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for a reported £85 million.
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, Tottenham are also nearing a £100 million agreement with Newcastle United for midfielder Sandro Tonali. With these additions bolstering their midfield and defence, manager Roberto De Zerbi is now turning his attention to strengthening the attacking options, identifying Leao as a potential target. Discussions have reportedly taken place with AC Milan regarding a possible deal for the 25-year-old.
Leao currently has a release clause of €175 million (£149.6m, $199.8m) in his contract with Milan, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia. However, the Italian club are believed to be open to a sale for a lower fee, potentially around €50 million (£42.7m, $57m). The Independent notes that Leao has been offered to Arsenal as well, suggesting a competitive market for his signature.
Leao joined AC Milan in 2019 and has since become a key player, winning Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana. He has publicly expressed his ambition to test himself in the Premier League, stating in June that he believes the English top-flight would better suit his style of play. “I need a new challenge,” Leao told Sport TV. “If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy.” His arrival at Tottenham would provide De Zerbi with a dynamic and skillful winger capable of impacting games in the final third, potentially elevating Spurs' attacking threat.
