Tottenham have been offered a tempting summer deal for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, and there are reasons why Spurs should definitely consider it.
Spurs are not slowing down after smashing their transfer record for Sandro Tonali, with Roberto De Zerbi now pushing to strengthen his attack before the new Premier League season.
The Italian midfielder has arrived in north London in a deal worth up to £100 million, joining fellow summer signing Mateus Fernandes as part of a huge rebuild under De Zerbi.
With the midfield transformed, Spurs are now focusing on adding more firepower in the final third.
Tottenham will move for £128m World Cup duo after they sign Sandro Tonali
Spurs are showing ‘great ambition’.
Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi is said to be one of the club’s leading attacking targets after his breakthrough campaign, while Man City’s Savinho has also been subject to Spurs talks this window.
Another high-profile name has entered the conversation in recent days too, with Leao now being linked.
The Portugal international, who was part of the side which beat Croatia 2-1 in the World Cup last night as they advanced to the last 16, could quit the San Siro this summer after seven seasons.
Tottenham offered Rafael Leao deal and reasons why they should take it
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Alessandra Gozzini, Leao has been offered to Tottenham as Milan explore ways of reshaping their squad.
The winger is believed to be looking for a fresh challenge after many years in Milan, while the Italian club are now prepared to discuss his departure.
Milan are reportedly seeking up to £60 million for Leao, although they could also accept a deal involving an initial loan with an obligation to buy if it guarantees a future transfer.
That flexibility could make the move more attractive for Tottenham as they look to spread the financial cost over multiple accounting periods, especially after a summer of lavish spending already.
Rafael Leao’s standout traits as Spurs gifted Kroupi and Savinho alternative
Leao has long been regarded as one of Serie A’s most dangerous attacking players.
Capable of playing from the left or through the middle, he combines explosive pace with outstanding one-v-one ability.
He played a central role in Milan’s Serie A title-winning side in 2022 and has remained one of the club’s biggest attacking threats despite an inconsistent campaign last season.
His situation has now changed.
With Milan planning for a different future under Ruben Amorim, the club are willing to listen to offers that previously would have been dismissed immediately.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
La Gazzetta dello Sport is one of Italy’s most established sports newspapers and is well-connected across Serie A, making it a strong source for Italian football news. However, its transfer coverage can be aggressive, with some exclusives proving accurate and others remaining speculative. It is respected, but not regarded as infallible. |
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Finances |
A straight £60m deal for Leao would be a major commitment after Tottenham’s heavy spending this summer. A loan with an obligation to buy appears far more realistic, allowing Spurs to spread the cost across accounting periods while managing PSR/SCR, cash flow and other transfer priorities more comfortably. |
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Insight |
Rafael Leao has built his reputation by excelling in three different leagues. After breaking through at Sporting, he enjoyed a breakout season with Lille before joining AC Milan in 2019. There, he became a Serie A champion, developed into one of Portugal’s mainstay wingers and established himself among Europe’s elite attackers, even if inconsistency has plagued him lately. |
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Impact |
Leao would give Tottenham genuine star quality in the final third. His pace, dribbling and ability to create chances on his own would make Spurs even more dangerous on the counter. Under De Zerbi, he could thrive in an attack built around quick transitions, movement and fearless one-on-one play. |
Whether Tottenham decide to act remains to be seen.
Kroupi would represent a younger, long-term investment, while Savinho offers proven Premier League experience. Leao sits somewhere in between: an established international still approaching his peak years.
From Tottenham’s perspective, the appeal is clear.
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De Zerbi clearly wants fast, aggressive attackers capable of isolating defenders and creating chances on their own. Leao has been doing exactly that for years.
His ability to carry the ball over long distances, beat defenders one against one and stretch defensive lines would add another dimension to Spurs’ attack.
If Tottenham are serious about competing for major honours after landing Tonali, Leao feels like the type of signing capable of taking their frontline to another level.
The 27-year-old has bagged 80 goals and 65 assists for the Rossoneri over nearly 300 total appearances, including 14 goal contributions in the Champions League.
Tottenham star Micky van de Ven reacts to £100m Sandro Tonali deal on social media
Spurs sealed the club-record signing on Wednesday.