Aston Villa are pushing to sign Rafael Leão from AC Milan even after agreeing a £65million deal for Nicolas Jackson, with the Portugal international believed to favour a move to Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side are now exploring a loan containing an obligation to buy for the 27-year-old.
The Athletic reports that Villa remain in talks over a deal for Leão, who is also attracting interest from Galatasaray.
It represents further progression after Villa opened talks with Milan earlier this week.
Aston Villa push Rafael Leão loan deal
Villa would prefer to initially sign Leão on loan before an obligation makes the transfer permanent.
Crucially, Villa also believe the winger would prefer a move to Villa Park despite Galatasaray competing for his signature.
That gives Emery encouragement as one of the most ambitious deals of Villa’s summer remains alive.
The pursuit is particularly striking because Villa have already agreed a package worth up to £65m for Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson is expected to become the direct replacement for Ollie Watkins after Villa accepted Al-Hilal’s offer for the England striker.
Leão would therefore represent an additional attacking reinforcement rather than an alternative to Jackson.
The Portugal international predominantly operates from the left and recorded 10 goals and three assists across 31 appearances for Milan last season.
He has accumulated 80 goals and 61 assists in 291 appearances since joining the Italian club from Lille in 2019.
Villa are not yet reported to have reached an agreement with Milan, while Galatasaray remain firmly involved.
But after Jackson’s agreement and Watkins’ impending departure, Villa are still attempting to add another major attacking talent to Emery’s rebuilt squad.
Landing Leão as well would transform an already extraordinary final week of the transfer window.
