Rafael Leao issues Premier League transfer plea to Arsenal and Man Utd
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has issued a public plea for a transfer to the Premier League or La Liga following a frustrating domestic season in Italy.
The Portugal international, who helped secure the Serie A title in 2022, is actively seeking a move away from the San Siro despite having two years remaining on his contract.
Arsenal and Manchester United are both reportedly monitoring the situation as the electric forward puts himself in the shop window ahead of the World Cup.
Turkish giants Galatasaray have already submitted a considerable offer, but the player has his heart set on a switch to England or Spain.
Seeking a new challenge
The prolific attacker believes his dynamic playing style is perfectly suited to the intense demands of English or Spanish top-flight football.
“I need a new challenge,” Leao said.
“I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while.”
“The league is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga would make more of my talent, as a player.”
Frustrations under Allegri
The Rossoneri endured a difficult campaign, faltering to a fifth-place finish and consequently missing out on Champions League qualification.
The Portuguese star blamed this underperformance on the tactical philosophy of recently sacked manager Massimiliano Allegri.
He also revealed that he played through the pain barrier with a severe groin inflammation for up to five months.
“It was a difficult season,” he added.
“I played while injured for 4-5 months with a groin inflammation, in a position that was not suited to me.”
“The tactical system did not help me. I felt that I could make the difference, but the way the team played didn’t put me in a condition to do that. At the end of the day, it wore me down.”
World Cup showcase
Any potential transfer is likely to be delayed until after Portugal conclude their upcoming World Cup campaign.
However, the highly-rated forward made his ambitions for the immediate future crystal clear.
“If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy,” he explained.
“Playing in that kind of a league really gets the best out of a player.”