Manchester United are said to be working on an ambitious move for Rafael Leão as they intensify plans for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Rather than pursuing a simple transfer fee arrangement, the club is reportedly exploring a more creative package that could involve first-team players being offered as part of the deal. The approach underlines how serious United are about landing one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.
Rafael Leão continues to be highly admired across Europe despite an uneven campaign in Serie A. His explosive pace, dribbling ability, and threat in the final third have kept him on the radar of several elite clubs.
The winger’s value once soared to around £152 million during his peak period at AC Milan, where he became one of their most influential attackers. However, a drop in consistency has reportedly seen that figure fall sharply, with Milan now believed to be willing to consider offers in the region of £52 million.
United scouts have reportedly continued to monitor the Portuguese star closely. Recent claims suggest representatives from the club watched Milan’s stalemate with Juventus at San Siro as part of their ongoing assessment of whether he would fit into life at Old Trafford.
The interest forms part of a wider recruitment strategy focused on improving United’s attacking strength ahead of next season.
To help make a move financially realistic, United are believed to be considering a player-plus-cash proposal. Names linked with a possible inclusion in negotiations include Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, and Manuel Ugarte.
Rashford, currently spending time on loan at Barcelona, has reportedly impressed in Spain with 13 goals and 13 assists from 45 appearances, renewing speculation over his long-term future.
Meanwhile, Ugarte has faced stiff competition for regular minutes since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, while Zirkzee has also found it difficult to fully establish himself after his move from Bologna, recording nine goals and four assists in 71 outings.
Milan are reportedly open to discussing structured deals involving player exchanges if it helps them balance the squad and meet financial targets. Although Leão remains under contract until 2028 and is still regarded as an important member of the squad, he is no longer considered completely unavailable.
United’s pursuit of Leão signals a wider desire to reshape their frontline with more pace, flair, and creativity. The willingness to potentially include multiple players in negotiations also shows how significant the planned summer rebuild at Old Trafford could be.
