Manchester United ‘Offer Three Player’ in Swap Deal for Rafael Leão

Manchester United are considering a bold approach in their pursuit of AC Milan winger Rafael Leão this summer, with reports suggesting that several first-team players could be included in any potential agreement. The Portugal international remains one of the most sought-after attackers in European football despite a season of mixed consistency in Serie A.

Leão was previously valued at around £152 million following several standout campaigns with Milan, where he established himself as a key attacking figure. That valuation has now dropped significantly, with Milan reportedly open to offers closer to £52 million ahead of the upcoming transfer window. The change in valuation comes after a season in which the winger’s form has fluctuated compared to previous years.

Interest from Manchester United has continued to build, with scouts recently watching Leão during Milan’s goalless draw against Juventus at the San Siro. The observation formed part of ongoing monitoring as the club evaluates options to strengthen their attacking unit ahead of next season.

Reports from Italy suggest United are exploring a proposal that could involve player exchanges to reduce the financial cost of any transfer. Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte are all being mentioned as possible inclusions in discussions, depending on how negotiations develop once the summer window opens.

Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona, where he has produced consistent output with 13 goals and 13 assists across all competitions in 45 appearances. His form in Spain has contributed to renewed interest in his long-term future, with Barcelona impressed by his output in attacking roles.

Ugarte’s situation at Old Trafford has been less stable. The midfielder arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for a fee close to £50 million but has struggled to secure a regular starting position. His involvement has decreased as competition in midfield has increased throughout the season.

Zirkzee is another player who has not fully settled since his arrival from Bologna in 2024 for around £36.5 million. The forward has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 71 appearances, and has yet to consistently replicate the form that initially attracted United’s interest.

AC Milan are understood to be open to structured deals that include established players from the Premier League, particularly if it helps balance squad depth and financial planning. The club’s recruitment strategy has remained flexible in recent windows, especially when dealing with high-value outgoing and incoming transfers.

Leão remains under contract at Milan until 2028 and is still viewed as an important part of the squad, even though he is no longer considered “untouchable” by club officials. His overall record stands at 80 goals and 65 assists in 288 appearances, reflecting his long-term contribution since breaking into the first team.

United’s interest reflects a broader effort to reshape their attacking options ahead of a new campaign, with recruitment plans expected to focus on adding pace and directness in wide areas. The possibility of using multiple players in exchange discussions highlights the scale of restructuring being considered at Old Trafford ahead of the summer transfer window.