Aston Villa has entered the race for AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao, presenting a loan offer that includes an obligation to purchase the player next summer for approximately £37 million. The Premier League club's bid involves a loan fee of £6.9 million for the season.
Leao is also a target for Turkish club Galatasaray, which is reportedly attempting to secure a permanent transfer for an initial sum of £38.6 million. The involvement of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who previously facilitated Unai Emery's move to Villa as manager in autumn 2022, adds a layer to the potential deal.
Should Leao opt for Aston Villa, the agreement would stipulate an obligation to buy him the following summer for nearly £37 million, contingent upon certain conditions being met. Villa previously structured a similar deal with Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho.
Galatasaray is believed to be offering Leao a weekly wage exceeding £300,000, a figure reportedly beyond Aston Villa's financial reach. Emery is reportedly banking on the allure of Premier League football to persuade Leao to join Villa. The transfer window remains open until September 1, with clubs actively pursuing signings ahead of the new season.