Manchester City are already preparing for the alternative transfer options for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland. Recently surfaced rumors suggest that Haaland is determined to join either Real Madrid or Barcelona in the summer despite strong interest from Machester City this month. Now the Citizens are preparing themselves with other striking options Rafael Leao and Vinicius Junior for the next season.
Premier League champions failed to replace Sergio Aguero who joined Barcelona last summer. Gabriel Jesus is the only recognized striker available at Etihad but the Brazilian is not enough clinical to start every game. Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, and Riyad Mahrez are playing in a false nine role this season which is working nicely for manager Pep Guardiola. Manchester City were waiting on Erling Haaland, whose release clause of £64 million gets activated in the summer, but now the player has looking for a La Liga move, the Citizens are exploring other options.
Manchester City Show Serious Interest In AC Milan Forward Rafael Leao:
The 22-year-old Portuguese forward is in great form for Rossoneri this season with 7 goals and 3 assist in 22 overall appearances. Leao arrived at San Siro from Ligue 1 giants LOSC Lille for a transfer fee of £19 million in 2019 and since then, has scored 20 goals in 90 appearances for the Red and Blacks. He is a crucial part of Stefano Pioli’s side this season who are mounting a Serie A title challenge with Inter Milan. Rossoneri sit in 2nd position with 48 points from the opening 21 league matches, just 2 points behind Nerazzurri.
According to a report from SempreMilan, Manchester City are showing a strong interest in Leao and has made him a priority alternative choice if they fail to land Erling Haaland this summer. AC Milan are already negotiating a new contract for the Portuguese international, who still has two-and-a-half years remaining. But after reported interest from the Citizens, AC Milan are ready to offer a big and improved offer to tie down the player till 2026.
Manchester City have also registered an interest in Real Madrid star forward Vinicius Junior. The 21-year-old Brazilian forward has finally started showing his worth with 15 goals and 4 assists in 28 matches this season. Vinicius arrived at Los Blancos in 2018 for a transfer fee of £38 million but this is looking like his breakthrough season.
Due to his current form and potential, Real Madrid are unlikely to sell him in the near future. Even if they decide to sell the Brazilian star then it will cost the Citizens more than £100 million so signing Leao over Vinicius looks more realistic but you will never know when it’s related to oil-rich Manchester City.