According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Real Madrid are willing to spend €120m (£102m) to sign Rafael Leao, who is also a target for Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, after missing out on Kylian Mbappe, it seems Carlo Ancelotti is keen to splash the cash on a similar forward.
The midfield department looks set to be improved by the arrival of Liverpool target Aurelien Tchouameni, and now, Real Madrid could further upset Jürgen Klopp.
It was La Repubblica who claimed that the Reds want Leao, while Arsenal and Newcastle are also hoping to bring the AC Milan forward to the Premier League.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport believe Real Madrid are now willing to make the 22-year-old one of the most expensive players in history.
It comes after the Portugal international scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for AC Milan this season, as the Rossoneri won the Serie A title.
Leao also provided 12 assists, which proves he isn’t just a goalscorer.
Interestingly, the AC Milan No.17 has been compared to Mbappe, so perhaps Ancelotti is now searching for attackers of a similar profile.
Real Madrid taking a gamble on Arsenal, Liverpool & Newcastle target
In our view, spending £102m on Leao would represent a big gamble.
Admittedly, the Almada-born forward is a phenomenal young player, although we’re not sure he’s done enough to be worth £102m.
Real Madrid already have Karim Benzema and Vinicius, both of whom have surpassed 20 goals this season, so there is no burning need for a new striker.
Ancelotti should either save this money to launch another move for Mbappe in 2023, or spread it across other areas in need of reinforcements.
If he does decide to submit a £102m bid, however, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle would surely have no chance of signing Leao.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen.
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