Unexpected blow for Rafael Leao: Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona reject him

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is going through a difficult period in his career. According to recent reports, European giants Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona have turned down the opportunity to sign the Portuguese star. Due to the player's decline in form and misunderstandings with fans, the Serie A club is facing difficulties in selling him. This is reported by Goal.com .

According to Sportitalia, AC Milan and the player's agents offered the 26-year-old forward to several long-term suitors, but all offers were rejected. Rafael Leao was signed from Lille in 2019 for 49.5 million euros. Although he has been the author of many goals and assists for the team, interest in him has significantly waned recently.

Currently, the player's contract includes a 120 million euro release clause, but the Italian club is prepared to lower this price to 80 million euros to accelerate the transfer. The current agreement between Rafael Leao and the club expires in 2028. AC Milan's management considers this transfer window the last opportunity to generate significant funds to rebuild the squad.

The decline in the forward's performance is largely attributed to the coach's tactics. In the 3-5-2 system employed by Max Allegri, the winger is forced to play as a central striker. Although he has scored 10 goals in 30 matches this season, he has not found the back of the net in Serie A since March 1st. This has caused sharp criticism from fans.

The patience of the San Siro faithful is wearing thin. In particular, following a poor performance against Atalanta and being whistled by his own fans during his substitution in the match against Juventus, Rafael Leao is now viewed not as a promising youngster, but as a professional failing to justify his price tag.