Aston Villa and Galatasaray are in for an intense battle to sign AC Milan’s Rafael Leão this summer.
The forward is on his way out and the Premier League side have taken serious action to sign him.
On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered a report from Italy explaining that Aston Villa made an offer, without providing further details.
Aston Villa not giving up
Galatasaray have been working for several weeks and have stepped up by making a new offer for Rafael Leão.
That’s according to Sport Mediaset, who state their new bid is €45m plus €5m bonuses, reaching the €50m price set by the Serie A side.
The Turkish champions have an agreement with AC Milan and have sent their emissaries to Italy to close the operation. The two clubs are discussing payment terms and other details.
Galatasaray are offering €12m per year with bonuses. This isn’t enough to convince the player, who is requesting €12m plus €3m bonuses.
Aston Villa are still keen, and their new attempt can change the situation. That’s because the 27-year-old has repeatedly talked about his desire to play in the Premier League.
New offer from Aston Villa
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover the Villans’ fresh proposal.
Unai Emery’s side want to sign the Portugal international on loan [€8m loan fee] with an obligation to buy set at €42m.
The Europa League winners and Galatasaray are battling for Rafael Leão and contact is ongoing.
Sportitalia’s Gianluigi Longari also took to X to echo Di Marzio’s report about Aston Villa’s proposal to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy. The overall cost will be €50m with €8m as a loan fee.
The Süper Lig winners are offering him a €12m per year salary, which is higher than the one proposed by the English club. Longari doesn’t share details of the latter’s offer.
Further talks on Thursday
MilanLive.it journalist Antonio Vitiello reports Galatasaray held talks with the attacker’s agent yesterday. The two parties will continue talks on Thursday to agree on personal terms.
He states: ‘Meanwhile, Aston Villa have raised the stakes with a figure close to €50m. Loan with an obligation to buy. The player is considering his next move.’
The Villa Park club are offering €8m per year, which is €4m less than what is proposed by Galatasaray.
Vitiello says ‘everything is open. Tomorrow [Thursday] will be a very hot day for Leão.’
The next few hours are key for the Portugal international’s future. What’s certain, for now, is that he won’t continue at the San Siro beyond this window.
Incontro tra agenti #Leao e #Galatasaray terminato ora. Si proseguirà domani per trovare gli accordi economici.
Nel frattempo l’#AstonVilla ha rilanciato con una cifra vicina ai 50 milioni. Prestito con obbligo di riscatto. Il giocatore sta pensando a quale destinazione…— Antonio Vitiello (@AntoVitiello) August 26, 2026
Key transfer points
- Aston Villa raised their stakes with improved offer
- Villans proposing €8m loan fee + €42m purchase obligation
- Galatasaray offer €12m per year, Emery’s side offer €8m per year
- Leão always talked about wanting to play in Premier League
