Rafael Leao has set his sights on a move to the Premier League this summer, with Manchester United said to be his preferred destination, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

It comes after the winger confirmed his desire to leave AC Milan and embark on a new challenge, having spent seven years at the club.

What has Rafael Leao said about his future?

Speaking to Sport TV over the weekend,  Leao said: “I think I’ve given Milan everything I could give. It’s been a club that helped me grow a lot, that supported me in the tough moments. I’m happy to have managed to write my name in the club’s history.

”Everyone has their dreams, their challenges, the things they desire, [and] the goals they want to reach. And I, too, want to try a new challenge in a new league.”

Rafael Leão diz que o seu tempo no Milan chegou ao fim

Por onde passa o futuro do craque português?#sporttvportugal pic.twitter.com/bQ24ejgxEs

— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) May 30, 2026

It’s thought the attacker went public with his wishes in order to invite as many suitors as possible to make their approaches for him.

In addition, it puts Milan in a situation where they have little to no choice but to facilitate his exit, given that everybody now knows his head is elsewhere.

What’s more, Leao also seemingly hinted at a preference for the Red Devils, adding: “I often watch the Premier League. I like Manchester United, especially because of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my idol, but also Arsenal is a team I follow on TV.”

Rafael Leao on which Premier League team he watches:

"I like #mufc, I like United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo."

[@cernucci] pic.twitter.com/OTpbejc3Og

— utdreport (@utdreport) May 28, 2026

United keeping tabs on Leao ahead of the window opening

Any potential transfer will likely have to wait until Portugal have finished their World Cup campaign.

The 26-year-old was called up to Roberto Martinez’s squad last month and, after the team has played out two friendlies against Chile and Nigeria, will jet off with his teammates to kick off their group stage journey against DR Congo on June 17.

Leao, hailed as ‘world-class’ by former Red Nani, hasn’t overseen his most prolific club season by any means, returning only 10 goals and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. 

His best term for I Rossoneri came in 2022/2023 when Milan were reigning Scudetto winners, and he notched a hugely impressive 15 goals and 10 assists in 35 Serie A matches.

Appearances Goals Assists 291 80 65

Leao’s complete record for Milan