At this point in time, FC Barcelona still have a summer transfer window to look forward to. For the remaining few days, La Blaugrana can still dare to dream about making new signings. However, time is certainly ticking, as Barcelona do not have too long before the market closes.
Before it does, however, many reports have suggested that the plan of the Catalan giants is to incorporate a new forward signing. Specifically, the arrival of a new left-winger is something that Barcelona is contemplating and is the main objective that should be kept an eye on.
In recent days, the man whose transfer has reportedly become the most promising option for the Catalan club is that of Federico Chiesa. However, it seems that while Chiesa is undoubtedly the most cost-effective signing on the table, he was neither the biggest name there nor was he possibly the first choice option.
That priority would have been given to AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao. In terms of image and size of the transfer, Leao’s arrival would have been a dream signing for Barcelona this summer. Unfortunately, a dream is quite literally all it ended up being.
As highlighted by Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani was recently asked about the possibility of Leao leaving this summer, and the response was quite a straightforward one.
“Rafa Leao will not leave AC Milan this summer.”
Furthermore, when he was asked about the possibility of FC Barcelona potentially entering the picture and making a move for the Portuguese forward, the AC Milan CEO was yet again quite clear:
“No chance. No way. He’s not leaving the club. 100%.”
As if that was still not enough, he was asked about the possibility of Leao requesting a transfer himself to Barcelona or some other club:
“If Rafa asks to leave? He’s not gonna ask to leave the club.”
Ultimately, without needing to entertain other questions about a potential move to Barcelona or any other side for Rafael Leao, Furlani wrapped up entertaining any more questions by stating the following:
“I think my message is quite clear, no?”
As it stands, the chances of Leao joining Barcelona this summer are completely snuffed out. However, it hardly made any sense to begin with given the financial limitations of the club and the fact that Leao would be one of the most expensive targets to chase across the entirety of the market.
On the other hand, the Chiesa option still remains quite open. Both the finances and the sporting requirements could match up, as the latest report suggests that even Hansi Flick himself approves of the Juventus forward joining Barcelona.
