Rafael Leao has made it clear he wants to make a big move away from AC Milan, but there is only one way he will get his desired switch to a Premier League giant.
The 26-year-old has been with the Italian giants since 2019, signing from Lille for £32m.
He has gone on to make 291 appearances for Milan, scoring 80 goals and winning Serie A in 2022.
The Portugal international is keen to move on this summer, though, being entirely open about wanting to test himself in the Premier League or La Liga.
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‘I need a new challenge. I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while,’ Leao said.
‘The league [Serie A] is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga would make more of my talent, as a player.
‘If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy. I think that I can put my talent up against the players there, who are of a very high level.
‘Playing in that kind of a league really gets the best out of a player.’
AC Milan will let him go, but want around €50million (£43m) to sell a playerwho has two years still to run on his contract.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been credited with interest in the Portuguese star, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says a move to either English giant is unlikely unless he can prove himself this summer.
Romano told time2play that after a disappointing last season with Milan, it would take a ‘masterclass’ at the World Cup this summer with Portugal to see elite clubs make a move for him.
Currently the interest in signing him comes from Turkey, with Galatasaray linked with making a move.
Leao’s chances of a spectacular World Cup were not helped when he was sent-off in a friendly against Chile on Saturday.
In a surprisingly bad tempered affair in Lisbon players from the two sides clashed shortly before half-time and Leao punched Ivan Ramon, knocking him to the ground.
He was shown a straight red card and will miss Portugal’s final friendly before the World Cup, against Nigeria on Wednesday, but will be available for their group games.
The winger wrote on Instagram: ‘Regarding my sending off, I simply wanted to protect my teammate, never intending to hurt the opponent!’
Manager Roberto Martinez added: ‘We’re all very determined and he reacted in a situation that is bound to happen a lot at the World Cup. Clearly it’s a good example that we can’t give in to frustration or see a red card in that situation.’