Losing Ground with Amorim, Leão Attracts Premier League Interest

Rafael Leão remains an enigma at AC Milan. The Portuguese international, who expressed a desire to leave the club at the end of last season, seemed to have an open door for continuity with the arrival of Ruben Amorim, but a departure is still a very real scenario.

According to Italian press reports, Leão has reportedly ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia, narrowing the field of interested parties to Galatasaray. The Turkish giants are offering the Portuguese star a net €12 million per year for a five-year contract, but this hasn't fully convinced him, and the offer still falls short of AC Milan's valuation.

Now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, a new and far more appealing avenue could be opening up for the 27-year-old Portuguese international: the Premier League.

The newspaper reports that Aston Villa is highly interested in bringing Leão to Unai Emery's squad, especially after their heavy defeat on the opening day of the season against Brighton.

At Villa Park, the Portuguese winger would have the opportunity to play in the Champions League, which could be a significant incentive, particularly as his role in Amorim's system appears to be diminishing.

Should he remain in Milan, Rafael Leão could find himself as a secondary option, given the importance the Portuguese coach places on off-the-ball work. Furthermore, in AC Milan's Serie A opener – which Leão missed due to injury – a young talent, Alphadjo Cisse, whom Amorim has already praised, shone brightly.