Aston Villa pull out of Rafael Leão negotiations, Tottenham also unlikely
Quick summary
Aston Villa have ended talks to sign Rafael Leão from AC Milan, and Tottenham are also considered unlikely to pursue the Portuguese winger.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceReports in Italy claim that Aston Villa have decided against proceeding in negotiations for Milan winger Rafael Leao and that a move to fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur is also looking unlikely.
Aston Villa decide against pursuing Leao deal Milan are still seeking buyers for star winger Leao heading into the final few days of the summer transfer window.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Rafael Leao of AC Milan makes a run towards goal during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images) The Portugal international had made it clear at the end of the 2025-26 season that he felt this would be the right time to move on from Milan after spending the last seven seasons in San Siro, helping the team to their most recent Scudetto in 2021-22.
Leao has a €175m release clause in his contract, but with two years left on his deal and given that he has been seeking an exit and given that Milan are prepared to let him leave, the most recent suggestion is that the Rossoneri are seeking an offer in the region of €50m.
A few days ago, there had been reports that Premier League club Aston Villa were interested in pulling off a late deal with Milan, however, Wednesday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Unai Emery’s side have decided to pull out of talks with the Rossoneri.
DUBLIN, IRELAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Leao of Portugal reacts after the team’s defeat during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at Aviva Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) There had also been suggestions earlier this week that R oberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham could still be a potential destination for Leao, but given that they have just invested for around €87m (£75m), that no longer appears to be the case either.
La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Galatasaray are now the only genuinely interested party in Leao and that they could return to the table with an improved offer in the coming days.
The transfer window in Turkey will remain until September 4, a few days later than the window in Serie A, which closes on September 1.
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What happened
Aston Villa have withdrawn from negotiations to sign AC Milan's Rafael Leão, cooling one of the more surprising Premier League links to the Portuguese international. Tottenham are also reportedly unlikely to move for the winger, leaving Leão's future at San Siro intact for now. Milan had placed a high valuation on Leão, and the collapse of talks with Villa removes a potential suitor. The development means Milan retain one of their most marketable attacking assets heading into the next window.
Chance analysis
Rafael Leão looks set to stay at AC Milan after Aston Villa formally walked away from talks, with Tottenham also appearing to step aside. For Milan, the retention of a 24-year-old forward who has been central to their attack preserves continuity and resale value, even if it means navigating another summer of contract speculation. For the Premier League clubs, the decision reflects the financial reality of Leão's price tag and Milan's reluctance to sell on favourable terms. The story underlines how difficult it remains for English clubs to prise elite Serie A talent away mid-cycle.
Leão stays at AC Milan, reinforcing Milan's attacking options while removing a potential Premier League transfer suitor.