Arjun Menon
Rafael Leao has fuelled Premier League transfer speculation after naming Manchester United as the English club he enjoys watching most. The AC Milan winger faces genuine uncertainty over his future at the San Siro following the Rossoneri‘s failure to secure Champions League qualification, a result that places the club under pressure to generate revenue through player sales.
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Leao Expresses Admiration for United and Arsenal
The speculation gained momentum after Leao appeared on the Cernucci podcast and was asked directly about his Premier League viewing habits. His answer was unambiguous.
“Yeah, of course. I like United. I like United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. So back then I used to watch them. And, yeah, I used to watch Manchester United. I like Arsenal also. Arsenal, yeah.”
United have been linked with the Portuguese winger across multiple transfer windows, driven by a consistent need for an elite, match-winning wide attacker. Those links carry more weight now that Milan missed out on Champions League football, a financial blow that forces the club hierarchy to reassess which assets can be monetised.
Leao Told Ibrahimovic He Wants to Stay
Despite the public admission and the surrounding noise, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the 26-year-old remains determined to rebuild his reputation in Italy. He has reportedly told senior club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic that he wants to remain at AC Milan and put a difficult campaign behind him.
Financial Reality and a Tactical Problem
The Rossoneri ownership’s position differs from Leao‘s own preference. Milan finished fifth in Serie A, and revenue from Europa League football falls well short of what Champions League participation would provide. Player trading becomes a necessity rather than an option under those conditions, and the club is prepared to listen to offers for the winger.
The tactical situation across the past season also worked against him. The system deployed forced Leao into a central role that contradicts his natural game as a wide attacker, reducing his effectiveness and his market standing heading into what could be a decisive summer.
Read also: Iraola Rejects AC Milan as Crystal Palace Close In on Glasner Replacement
Portugal Duty Comes First
Leao has been included in Portugal‘s provisional 27-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Roberto Martinez‘s side are placed in Group K, where they face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. Once the tournament concludes, his club future will hinge on the tactical priorities of Allegri‘s successor and whether the incoming manager rates him as a core part of the project going forward.
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