Manchester City to lodge €120m January bids for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are reportedly planning to make offers of €120m (£105m) for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao in January.

The 23-year-old has elevated his game to new heights with the Rossoneri over the last 18 months, and he is set to become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe when the transfer window re-opens.

Leao was named the 2021-22 Serie A Player of the Season after scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists for Scudetto champions Milan, and he has since made a bright start to the new campaign, recording six goals and nine assists in 17 games across Serie A and the Champions League.

The Portugal international is regarded as a key asset at San Siro, but his long-term future at the club is believed to be uncertain as his contract is set to expire in June 2024.

A recent report claimed that Milan are planning to hold talks with Leao and his representatives over a new deal as they look to fend off interest from Europe’s elite clubs.

However, TuttoMercatoWeb claims that Milan are expecting to receive big-money January offers of €120m (£105m) for Leao from Premier League duo Man City and Chelsea.

The report adds that Milan will consider cashing in on the forward if a ‘super offer’ is received, as they do not want to lose another valuable star on a free transfer.

Elsewhere, Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Atletico Madrid will look to sign Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer next summer, with the German international’s contract expiring at the end of the current season.

The 32-year-old is yet to be offered a new deal at the Etihad Stadium, but it is thought that Atletico will face fierce competition to sign the midfielder.

Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing after taking over at City, with the German – who is in his seventh season in England – going on to score 51 goals in 270 games.

The player has won four Premier League titles under Guardiola, and should he leave the club at the end of the season, the reigning Premier League champions are likely to look to recruit a replacement.

Also, Manchester City are reportedly interested in securing a deal for Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko.

As per Football Insider, City have joined the race to sign the 17-year-old Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko with Liverpool, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all thought to be keen on the forward.

The report claims that City are ‘serious’ about acquiring the signature of the forward next year, with the Blues said to have sent scouts to watch Moukoko this campaign.

Moukoko, who made his Dortmund debut just one day after his 16th birthday, has registered 10 goal contributions in 19 matches for the Bundesliga outfit so far this season.