AC Milan forward Rafael Leao in action
As per Calciomercato, it appears Manchester City have their eye on another forward in AC Milan star Rafael Leao, amid their serious pursuit of Erling Braut Haaland.
The Lowdown: Txiki making pre-summer moves?
The Sky Blues, currently locked in a tense battle for the Premier League title with arch rivals Liverpool, also have one eye on the summer transfer market going by exciting reports recently.
Indeed, reliable journalists Craig Hope and Jack Gaughan of The Daily Mail recently sent shockwaves through the City fandom, breaking some big news that the club allegedly already have a deal in place to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Haaland.
They claim ‘sources in Germany’ have told them they ‘now expect’ the Norway international to choose a switch to Eastlands over Real Madrid this summer with the transfer ‘ready to be signed off’ by City chiefs.
Amid this major development, however, it appears sporting director Txiki Begiristain and manager Pep Guardiola also have their eyes on another attacker who the Spaniard has personally ‘fallen in love’ with (Calciomercato via Sempre Milan).
The Latest: Calciomercato share Leao news…
As per Calciomercato and journalist Daniele Longo, the Citizens are one of ‘several top-tier clubs’ who are ‘taking information’ on Milan star Leao amid his sensational season in Serie A.
It is believed there has been ‘a lot of talk’ regarding interest from City, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in particular – but the Rossoneri certainly won’t make it easy.
Milan apparently consider their versatile Portugal international a crucial player for future seasons with his contract renewal negotiation ‘travelling quickly’.
The Verdict: Future Mahrez replacement?
Primarily a left-winger, City have more than enough strength in depth on that side with the presence of an in-form Raheem Sterling and record signing Jack Grealish – who has also really impressed in recent games.
However, star man Riyad Mahrez is nearing the end of his Etihad Stadium contract, with his current terms set to expire in 2023.
While there have been rumours of a renewal, if City don’t manage to agree one, Leao could be the perfect replacement for Guardiola’s high-flying Algeria international – if he is willing to switch flanks that is.
According to WhoScored, when compared to Mahrez this season, the 22-year-old has averaged a higher rate of shots at goal (2.5) and completed dribbles (2.9) per 90 domestically.
While City’s winger has made more key passes in that time (1.4 per match), raking in more league goals and assists combined also (10G, 4A), the tricky 31-year-old is also nearing the twilight phase of his career.
As Guardiola faces the possibility of life without Mahrez, Leao may well be an astute future heir to his side’s top 2021/2022 goal scorer and worth investment – even if Milan do extend his deal.
Italian football critic and Sempre Milan reporter Maxi Angelo has called the San Siro star ‘absolutely unplayable‘ for his form this season and this may well be one to watch.
In other news: ‘Amazing’, ‘Literally Yaya 2.0’…Man City fans go wild as Txiki eyes ‘huge signing’, find out more here.
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