Barcelona are considering SHOCK £77m move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao… despite club’s financial problems forcing them to axe Ilkay Gundogan

Barcelona are reportedly interested in AC Milan winger Rafael Leao following the problems surrounding their deal with Nico Williams.

The Catalans have been looking for an alternative in recent weeks after the Spain and Athletic Bilbao star made it clear that he would stay at his current club for another year.

The Euro 2024 winner had expressed doubts about Barcelona’s financial situation throughout the summer transfer window, although president Joan Laporta assured fans in July that they could afford such a deal.

Now that Williams is back in training and has a new number 10 on his back, the Blaugrana are considering signing other players.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona wants to sign a key player before the end of the summer transfer window, who will attract a lot of attention in terms of both sporting impact and media attention. Rafael Leao of AC Milan seems to be the main candidate.

The Portuguese is seen as an alternative to Nico Williams, who expressed his desire to stay at Athletic Bilbao next season

The development follows reports that Ilkay Gundogan is expected to leave the club after just one year

The development follows reports that Blaugrana midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has informed the club that he wants to leave, after his new manager Hansi Flick told the player that he is no longer a regular starter.

The former Germany international is expected to attract interest from his old club Manchester City, as well as clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, the Catalans found themselves in a delicate financial situation, which led the club to consider letting go of a key player like Gundogan, who reportedly earns around €20 million per year (£17 million per year).

Leao’s deal is reportedly complicated, but the player is seen as the preferred option for the left wing by president Laporta, a fact that is reinforced by the fact that his agent is Jorge Mendes, a known ally of the Catalans.

The famous super agent has several clients in Barcelona, ​​including Ansu Fati, Alejandro Balde, youngster Lamine Yamal and former loanee Joao Cancelo.

Mendes is expected to help the club sign Leao, whose contract with AC Milan was extended in June 2023 and is valued at between £70 million and £80 million.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is believed to be a personal fan of Leao’s skills both on and off the pitch

However, the Catalans may have to sell some players, such as Frenkie de Jong, who is still linked with a reunion with his former coach Erik ten Hag.

The Portugal international was linked with a move away from the Rossoneri last year, prompting booing from the crowd in May.

Mundo Deportivo have confirmed that the 25-year-old is ready for a new career change and that he sees a top club like Barcelona as his next destination.

However, Leao’s arrival is expected to significantly exceed Williams’ £43m release clause, with both clubs exploring the option of involving other players in the deal.

Blaugrana does not rule out selling first team players. Names like Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres and Raphinha are constantly in the news.

The Netherlands international remains a key target for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, having previously worked together during their successful spell at Ajax.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that former Manchester City winger Ferran Torres could be heading for a surprise return to the Premier League, with Newcastle preparing an official bid for the Spaniard.

Both Kingley Coman (left) and Federico Chiesa (right) are considered cheaper alternatives

While Barcelona await the departure of a number of players, including Clement Lenglet, Vitor Roque and Mikayil Faye, they are also keeping an eye on a number of affordable wingers.

Juventus’ Federico Chiesa and Kingsley Coman, who Flick met during his time at Bayern Munich, are on their wish list.