Rafael Leao makes final call on summer transfer after dropping Man Utd hint

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Rafael Leao is set to turn down a move to the Premier League this summer despite recently sharing his admiration for Manchester United . The Portuguese forward has been linked with a move away from AC Milan this summer.

Leao, 26, is one of the assets that has been backed for a move as they pursue a summer rebuild following a poor season. It was previously suggested that he could be allowed to leave in a cut-price deal - but it appears that Leao himself is not particularly interested in a move away.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport , he has already spoken to club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic and said he was keen to stay and put a difficult campaign behind him. He has a target of becoming a key player for the club once more. Speaking earlier this week, the forward said: “It was a season that tested my physical and psychological state to the maximum, and only those who experienced it closely with me know how difficult it was.

“For that reason I want to thank everyone who did the possible and the impossible to make sure this season took a completely different direction. May Milan triumph again next season.”

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Leao joined Milan from Lille in 2019 and has gone on to make 291 appearances and scored 80 goals. He has two years remaining on his contract at the San Siro.

Despite having made a decision to stay in Milan, Leao has recently made his affection for a couple of Premier League sides abundantly clear. Asked recently if he watched much Premier League football, he replied: "Yeah, of course."

Asked if there were any particular teams that he watched, Leao said: "No, I like United. I like United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo . So back then I used to watch them. And, yeah, I used to watch Manchester United. I like Arsenal also. Arsenal, yeah."

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Both United and Arsenal are expected to be busy this summer, albeit it remains to be seen whether Leao would potentially figure in their plans for the upcoming window if he were to U-turn on his decision to stay put.

The Red Devils have made a new central midfielder their prime target following Casemiro’s exit with a deal for Atalanta's Ederson progressing. United have, however, conceded defeat to Manchester City in the race for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

When it comes to Arsenal, much could depend on the amount of players allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners continue to be linked with a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and should he arrive, that could see Gabriel Jesus moved on.

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