31 May 2026 07:45 BST |
5 min read
Rafael Leao says he wants to leave AC Milan in search of “a new challenge in a new league”, fuelling speculation of a big-money move to Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Arsenal.
Leao joined Milan from Portuguese side Sporting CP in 2019 and quickly became one of the best wingers in the world, scoring 16 goals in a side which reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2022-23.
However, the 26-year-old has been unable to replicate that form in recent seasons, leading to reports in Italy that Serie A giants Milan were open to selling the forward.
And now Leao has announced his intention to seek pastures new this summer, having “given everything” to a Milan side who dramatically missed out on securing Champions League football for next season after losing 2-1 at home to Cagliari on the final day of the 2025-26 season.
In an interview with Portuguese outlet sport tv, Leao said: “Personally, I’ve given everything at AC Milan. It’s a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through tough times.
Rafael Leão diz que o seu tempo no Milan chegou ao fim 🤯
Por onde passa o futuro do craque português?#sporttvportugal pic.twitter.com/bQ24ejgxEs
— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) May 30, 2026
“Fortunately, I managed to make my mark in their history. Everyone has ambitions and I dream of a new challenge in a new league. If that happens, I’ll be very happy and fulfilled because I did my job at AC Milan.”
While Leao did not reveal which teams or leagues he has set his sights on, there has been tentative speculation linking him with Man United and Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window opening next month.
He has also been loosely linked with Bundesliga side Bayern Munich, who are in the market for a new forward after missing out on Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona for €80million (£69.3m) earlier this week.
Leao – who scored 10 goals in 31 games for Milan this season – will be hoping to attract plenty of suitors by starring for Portugal at the World Cup, having been included in manager Roberto Martinez’s squad.
Milan in talks with recently-departed Crystal Palace boss Glasner
Meanwhile, Milan are searching for a new manager after parting ways with Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the season, with the Daily Mail claiming they are currently in talks with Oliver Glasner over the vacant post.
Glasner is available after leaving Crystal Palace following their victory over Rayo Vallecano in Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final, with the Austrian having delivered three trophies in an incredible 12 months in south London.
The Mail understands Milan want to hire former Man United interim manager Ralf Rangnick as their new sporting director, and are keen for Glasner to work under the current Austria boss.
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