Barcelona could look to repeat the loan formula they used to sign Marcus Rashford, this time for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, according to reports in Italy.
Leao is expected to leave the San Siro this summer after confirming in May that he wants a fresh challenge following seven years with the Serie A club. The 27-year-old has scored 80 goals and registered 65 assists in 291 appearances for Milan, but the arrival of former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has altered the team's tactical approach, with Leao not fitting the preferred wing-back system.
The Portuguese international has a reduced asking price of £51million, and Barcelona have made enquiries over his availability. Club president Joan Laporta has long admired Leao, and the player's agent has previously offered him to the Catalan side. However, the left-wing position is not a priority for the La Liga champions, who are already well stocked in wide areas following the £70m signing of Anthony Gordon and the presence of Raphinha.
The Gordon deal came about after Barcelona decided against triggering the option-to-buy clause in Rashford's loan, which would have cost just £26m to make his move permanent. Similarly, they are unlikely to commit to a permanent transfer for Leao given his price tag, especially with Julian Alvarez identified as their primary attacking target. But, as with Rashford, they are open to opportunistic loan deals.
Leao has two years remaining on his contract, and if no club meets Milan's asking price, a loan move could be possible. One complication is that Milan would likely demand an obligation to buy to avoid the situation United found themselves in with Rashford, whose future was left unresolved before his return. Leao's next step is expected to be settled in the coming weeks, with several Premier League clubs and Saudi Pro League sides also monitoring the winger.
