Report: Galatasaray close to matching Milan's €50m Leao valuation as Villa wait
Quick summary
Galatasaray are reportedly close to meeting AC Milan's €50 million asking price for Rafael Leao, while Aston Villa remain interested in the Portuguese forward.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceGalatasaray have submitted an improved offer for Rafael Leao, proposing €45m plus bonuses to Milan for the Portugal forward.
According to Goal Italia , citing Turkish transfer journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, the Istanbul club have structured the bid with easily achievable bonuses in an attempt to close the gap on Milan’s €50m valuation.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – AUGUST 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan shoots against Moises Caicedo of Chelsea FC during the pre-season friendly between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images) Leao already agreed terms with Galatasaray The player side presents no obstacle. Leao has an understanding in place with Galatasaray over a four-year contract worth €12m per season.
Aston Villa remain in contention, with Tottenham further back. Unai Emery’s side have the funds after a summer of significant sales, having lost Ezri Konsa to Arsenal, Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, while Ollie Watkins is set to join Al Hilal.
Emery wants at least two attacking additions and is also weighing Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nicolas Jackson, but time is running short.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Leao has returned to full training with the Milan squad ahead of Friday’s home match against Venezia, having missed the opening weekend with a thigh problem.
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What happened
AC Milan have set a €50 million valuation for star winger Rafael Leao, and Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly close to matching that figure. Meanwhile, Premier League side Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation and waiting to see how negotiations develop. Leao, who has been one of Milan's most important attacking players, has long been linked with a departure from San Siro. The report suggests a concrete move could materialize in the near transfer window, with Galatasaray currently the most advanced suitor.
Chance analysis
A potential €50m exit for Rafael Leao would mark a significant shift at AC Milan, where the Portuguese winger has been central to their attacking identity since arriving from Lille. Galatasaray's reported readiness to meet Milan's price tag reflects both the club's growing financial muscle under their current ownership and the Süper Lig's increasing pull for elite European talent. Aston Villa's parallel interest adds another layer of competition, though the English club appears to be playing a waiting game. Should the transfer go through, it would test Milan's ability to replace a player who has been their most consistent creative outlet in recent seasons.
If completed, Leao's departure would significantly weaken Milan's left flank and creative threat, while Galatasaray would gain a world-class attacking talent.