Aston Villa have been making a late push to sign AC Milan’s Rafael Leao but they need another major effort to seal the signing.
Sport Witness have covered how Unai Emery’s side have matched Galatasaray’s offer for the Portuguese attacker. The Turkish club offered €45m plus €5m bonuses, reaching the €50m price set by Milan. Aston Villa came forward with an initial loan offer worth €8m and obligation to buy of €42m.
Both these offers were accepted by the Rossoneri, who were waiting for the player to make a final decision.
Now, there have been developments.
Villans need another push
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that at lunch today, Leao’s entourage will speak to Aston Villa. After that, the player himself will meet intermediary George Gardi, who is ironing out a move to Galatasaray.
Today is a huge day in the saga, even if the player is back in training with Ruben Amorim’s side.
MilanNews add more key details, noting that Aston Villa have been unsuccessful with their latest contract offer.
They handed Leao €8m per season but this was rejected by the player, who has made a ‘preliminary decision’. This isn’t the end of the saga though, as the Villans can make a new offer. This will include bonuses to make sure the total package is higher than the initial approach.
Galatasaray are also yet to agree terms and the next hours will be key.
Player has been keen on PL move
For many weeks, attempts have been ongoing from several agents to help Leao find a new club. Jorge Mendes – like Gardi, has been working on it, offering Leao to many English clubs. This is because the attacker has been keen on a move to the Premier League for a while.
Due to the super-agent, Aston Villa have a late shot at the deal, with Mendes also having worked closely with Milan throughout this summer.
This can hold the key in the transfer, unless Gala offer a huge wage packet that simply can’t be ignored.
