Rafael Leão confirms desire to leave AC Milan in summer 2026 with Premier League interest

Rafael Leão has publicly told media he wants to leave AC Milan in the summer of 2026, saying he is ready for a new challenge after several difficult seasons with the Rossoneri. The 26-year-old Portuguese forward made the comment in interviews cited by the report and is now being linked with a move to the Premier League, where sources named in the article say he has attracted interest.

Why it matters: key career crossroads for Leão and Milan

Leão has been one of AC Milan’s marquee players since his arrival but, according to the supplied report, his performances this season did not meet expectations. That has left both player and club facing a consequential summer: Milan would lose a high-profile attacking option and could use any significant transfer income to reshape the squad, while Leão would seek a fresh environment to revive his career.

Player statement and reported motivations

The article quotes Leão saying he feels he has given Milan everything and would welcome a new challenge in another league. It adds that the player believes leaving would signify he had completed his work at the club. The report notes Leão felt undervalued after being booed by supporters and that he struggled for consistency under Massimiliano Allegri, including being used in positions that limited his best attributes.

Potential destinations and interest reported

According to the supplied piece, Rafael Leão has long expressed an affinity for the Premier League and the report says several English clubs are interested. It states Manchester United is a personal preference for Leão, who cited watching the club because of Cristiano Ronaldo, and that Arsenal have also been noted as possible destinations. The article adds that Premier League clubs could be prepared to pay in the region of €40–€50m, per the reporting cited.

• Leão said he wants to leave AC Milan in summer 2026 and try a new challenge.
• The 26-year-old made comments indicating he felt he had given his best to Milan and that a move would mark the next step in his career.
• The supplied report links Premier League interest to Leão, naming Manchester United and Arsenal among clubs mentioned.
• Reported transfer valuations in the piece put potential bids in the €40–€50m range.
• Leão remains under contract with AC Milan until 2028, according to the article.

Context: form, role and contract (as reported)

The article says Leão’s output this season was reduced — it cites the player scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in 31 appearances — and argues that tactical deployment away from his natural left-wing position diminished his pace and dribbling strengths. It also notes his contract situation, reporting that he remains tied to Milan until 2028, which would complicate any move and likely require a transfer fee.

The report suggests Milan could see Leão’s sale as an opportunity to fund a wider rebuild, should the club decide to capitalise on market interest rather than retain him.

What happens next (verified and unverified elements)

According to the supplied piece, summer 2026 is when Leão expects a move could materialise. The report links media quotes from the player and cites other outlets for interest from specific Premier League clubs. However, there is no supplied confirmation in this single source that clubs have lodged formal offers, nor is there an official statement from AC Milan confirming they will sell. Those facts require verification before publication.

If Leão pursues a transfer, key next steps will be: whether Milan will accept bids, which clubs lodge formal offers, and whether the player and any interested club can agree personal terms. The supplied article states reported fee expectations and names potential suitors but does not provide definitive transaction details.