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The Serie A forward is reportedly exploring a fresh challenge, with the Premier League emerging as his preferred destination should he decide to leave Italy this summer.

Manchester United have reportedly taken their first step towards acquiring AC Milan’s star attacker Rafael Leao, who is believed to be keen on a move to England during the upcoming transfer window.

Leao has spent seven years with Milan, where he has become one of Europe’s most dynamic offensive players, registering 145 goals and assists across 291 matches. Following a disappointing season that saw Milan fail to qualify for the Champions League, the club is expected to undergo a significant rebuild, and Leao’s departure appears increasingly possible.

Under interim manager Michael Carrick, Manchester United managed to secure a third-place finish in the Premier League this season — equalling their best performance since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure. Last summer, the club strengthened their frontline by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko, all of whom featured prominently for Carrick. However, United currently lack a natural wide player capable of stretching defences, and club insiders believe Leao could be the ideal solution to that issue.

According to Italian media reports, both Manchester United and Arsenal have established contact with Leao’s representatives, although neither club has yet submitted an official offer.

Leao has previously expressed his admiration for former Manchester United icon and Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, while also acknowledging Arsenal as one of the clubs he follows.

“I like United. I like United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo,” Leao said during an appearance on the Cernucci Podcast. “Back then, I used to watch them a lot. And yes, I also like Arsenal. Arsenal, yeah.”

Reports suggest that United’s current transfer priorities include securing a match-winning winger in the mould of Leao and adding a central midfielder to fill the void left by Casemiro, who departed at the end of the season. The Red Devils have been heavily linked with Atalanta’s midfield powerhouse Ederson as a potential replacement.