Transfers: Manchester United reportedly in the race for Rafael Leao as asking price is revealed

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Rafa Leao to Man United transfer news

In the latest transfer news coming out of Manchester, Man United are reportedly set to make the first move in an effort to sign Serie A star Rafael Leao after AC Milan are said to have ‘offered’ the wantaway winger to Premier League rivals Arsenal.

After being linked with MUFC on and off in the past, this could shape up to be a tasty tug of war if all rumours are to be believed.

United fans will be hoping this isn’t just another Viktor Gyökeres or even a Wesley Sneijder situation, especially since Leao and his agent have made it clear that he is ready to leave the Italian giants after seven years, with The Times stating that he’s already been offered to the newly crowned champions.

But a recent interview by Leao may have pricked up ears over at Old Trafford and Carrington:

Do you think there are some hints being dropped here?…

Speaking to London-born and now Manchester-headquartered (interesting…) streetwear and jewellery brand Cernucci on their new podcast, the Portuguese international confessed to presenter Fred Buckley that he spent much of his childhood watching Man United, and still does to this day.

While he also admitted he likes Arsenal, adding even more fuel to the fire of the links with the Gunners, he also named Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol; either way, the ‘Rossoneri’ are believed to be asking for between £43-50 million for the former Sporting and Lille player.

A teammate of his with the national squad and having starred for major European sides, winning silverware – a Serie A title and Italian Super Cup, as well as a UEFA Nations League with Portugal – he’s evidently looking to try and emulate his fellow compatriots’ success moving forward.

Now 26 years old, he’s at a crucial juncture in his career, and despite being criticised for his work rate and efforts off the ball at times, not to mention blowing somewhat hot and cold in and around a fair few injury problems, the next big money move feels almost inevitable as he approaches his ‘prime’ years.

With multiple reports in Italy and across Europe claiming that Man United are ready to chase Leao as one of various transfer targets this summer, it may come down to a case of who pursues him hardest: INEOS, Arsenal, or perhaps another big continental team.

As you can see, many Milan fans have seemingly turned on him already after he made his plans to depart rather publicly, which has also seen him pop up on the radar of several other Champions League competitors this summer.

One such alternative suitor outside of English football is Galatasaray, with multiple Italian and Turkish outlets claiming that the club are the only team to be drawing up a ‘formal proposal’ thus far.

Journalist Matteo Moretto does state, however, that no official offer has been made as yet.

He is also one of numerous sources who have revealed that Man United’s deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson – also currently plying his trade in Italy – is now effectively ‘done’.

As for the mercurial forward, can you see Rafa Leao becoming a Red Devil?

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Featured Images — Cernucci Podcast (screenshot via YouTube)/LHC88 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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