Galatasaray make first official bid for Leao as Manchester United register interest

Galatasaray have become the first club to lodge an official proposal for Rafael Leao after the AC Milan forward publicly confirmed his desire to leave the San Siro this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring the situation, but have yet to formalise their interest in the £43m-rated winger.

Leao, 26, addressed his future in an interview with Sport TV on Saturday, drawing a line under seven years at Milan. “I think I gave Milan everything I could give,” he said. “It is a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through difficult moments. I am happy to have left my mark on the club’s history. Everyone has their dreams, their challenges — and I also want to take on a new challenge in a new league.”

The Portuguese international departs with a record of 80 goals and 65 assists in 291 appearances, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most dangerous wide forwards during his time in Lombardy.

Despite Galatasaray’s opening move, Leao is reported to be reluctant to move to Turkey and is instead holding out for a Premier League club to enter the race. His agent has already offered him to Arsenal, though the reigning Premier League champions have not yet acted on the proposal. United, meanwhile, have indicated interest without taking concrete steps to advance it.

Manager Michael Carrick is looking to strengthen United’s forward line ahead of a return to the Champions League, and Leao’s profile fits the club’s requirements. Matheus Cunha operated as United’s primary left attacker last season but can also play centrally and in the No.10 role, which would leave space for a versatile wide option such as Leao.

United’s primary transfer focus this window remains central midfield, though funds are available for attacking reinforcements. Milan’s asking price of £43m is reported to fall within United’s budget, and the club recently added £38m to their transfer kitty after Rasmus Hojlund’s move to Napoli was made permanent.

Leao’s future is expected to be resolved after the World Cup, with the forward set to play a significant role in Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad. Once the tournament concludes, suitors are anticipated to move more decisively, with Milan keen to finalise a sale before the new season begins.