Barcelona closely following AC Milan forward

It is no secret that Barcelona are on the lookout for a new forward heading into the summer transfer window. While their sights are firmly fixated on Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund, the Catalans are also looking at other options.

And, as per a fresh update from SPORT, AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has emerged as a target for the Blaugrana.

The 22-year-old has been with the Rossoneri since 2019 when he joined from French club LOSC Lille. The former Sporting CP starlet had a slow start to life in Italy but has flourished in the past eighteen months or so.

Leao has scored 11 goals and set up six more in 31 games for Milan in all competitions this season, helping them mount a serious title challenge in Serie A.

While he is primarily a left-sided winger, Leao has been utilised in a central role in the past. And the Portuguese international has shown this season that he can be a productive option to have in the final third.

Haaland remains Barça’s primary option to strengthen their attacking line. And Leao might not exactly be an alternative for him, given his profile. The AC Milan forward could be seen as someone who can bolster the wide areas in the final third.

Ousmane Dembele’s contract with the Catalans runs out in a few months. In addition, there have also been question marks over the future of Memphis Depay, who will be entering the final year of his contract with the club at the end of the season.

Considering Ansu Fati’s recent injury woes, adding another winger would not be the worst idea for the Blaugrana in the summer.

Leao’s contract with Milan runs until 2024. He is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, who enjoys a good relationship with Barcelona. Whether they utilise that to lure the Portuguese attacker to Camp Nou in the summer will be interesting to see.