Reports are once again suggesting that Fenerbahce are ready to do battle with rivals Galatasaray for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
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Leao’s future remains one of the hottest topics within Milan’s summer window. This morning, there were reports suggesting that Galatasaray have accelerated their pursuit of the winger, promising him a salary north of €10m per season. However, they now face competition.
Istanbul derby for Leao
According to MilanNews, Galatasaray and also Fenerbahce have expressed concrete interest in the Portuguese forward, but neither club have yet submitted an official offer to Milan. The Rossoneri continue to want €50-60m, which makes things quite complex.
The Turkish Super Lig giants are closely monitoring the situation surrounding Leao’s future, even gathering information on the conditions required to begin negotiations with Milan. For now, however, everything is in the exploratory phase.
Meanwhile, Matteo Moretto gave an update on Leao’s future during a video that was published on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel.
“His transfer market seems a bit stagnant. In fact, I’ll leave out the ‘a bit’ because there are currently no concrete offers for Leao Two clubs, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, in my opinion have the upper hand, also based on the level of interest they’re exploring the possible acquisition of the Portuguese.
“There have been no written offers to Leao. Verbal offers, yes, but as of now, the most likely situation is that Leao will leave, go on retreat, and then a solution can be found in the coming weeks.”
Barring any unexpected accelerations, Leao will join his team-mates on tour on July 29th and will work under the command of compatriot Ruben Amorim. The trip will allow the coach to evaluate the player up close, but it seems his mind has already been made up.