AC Milan are having it tough putting Rafael Leao up for sale, as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona have reportedly rejected him.
It is not that the clubs do not know the class that the attacker can bring to any team, but it seems they are not ready to spend big money for him.
As the Diavolo are looking forward to raising money for the summer transfer window, the forward could well be coming to the end of his time at San Siro.
Although he has two years left on his current deal, he has lost form, and there seems to be no sign of an extension on the horizon.
That’s why Milan see this summer as the last chance to get a significant transfer fee on him before the risk kicks in of losing him as a free agent.
Although Leao has a release clause in his contract at a reported €120m, Milan would be glad to accept €80-90m for the inconsistent talent.
This has left them in a situation of finding a club willing to pay that fee, and which Leao would be ready to join.
According to L Sportitalia, the Rossoneri and his agent tried to shop him around to various clubs who had shown an interest in the past, such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona.
As things did not go well because none of them seemed prepared to discuss in deeper detail, they are looking for alternatives to getting a huge fee for the Portugal international.
Other suitors include Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, along with those in Saudi Arabia. Getting Leao to agree to those moves is another matter for the Portuguese, who will be heading to the World Cup next month.
The 26-year-old has reached the point of his career where he is no longer a player with potential, but ought to be the finished article.
This season, Leao’s inconsistent performance has seen him score 10 goals and three assists in 30 competitive matches. This has also reportedly made Max Allegri not interested or frustrated.
Leao have also struggled with his 3-5-2 formation, where he has been used as a centre-forward, limiting his capabilities.
Milan will hope he has a good World Cup with Portugal to bump up his price tag and get clubs ready to sign him.
