Attacker ‘Wouldn’t Veto’ Aston Villa Move Despite Manchester United Preference

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20 July 2026

Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

Milan

attacker Rafael Leao ‘wouldn’t veto’ a move to

Aston Villa

, who he considers to be ‘an extremely ambitious club’, however they are not at the top of his list, which

Manchester United

‘have long dominated’.

Aston Villa have been busy in the transfer market, having already signed Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi to bolster their midfield options for the upcoming season.

But the club have also seen the departures of Donyell Malen and Youri Tielemans, while Morgan Rogers has departed for

Chelsea

The £117m exit of Rogers could open up a host of new options in the market as

try to deliver in the final third for Unai Emery.

Emery has asked the club for a significant signing in attack and that has brought Portugal international Leao into the picture, according to Italian broadcaster

Sport Mediaset

Leao could depart AC

this summer, with the club prepared to cash in,

and has been of keen interest to Tottenham Hotspur

During

talks to take Pervis Estupinan to Aston Villa

, the Premier League side asked about the situation of Leao as they tested the water.

It is suggested that

are a destination that Leao ‘wouldn’t veto’ as he regards the club as ‘extremely ambitious’ and with Emery’s presence a big positive.

Leao has a list of clubs he considers his favourites and it is one that ‘Manchester United have long dominated’.

That is unlikely to rule out a move to

though and it is one the Portugal attacker could make, with AC

looking for between £42m and £50m to let him go.

In the recent campaign, Leao made 31 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing three assists in all competitions, despite missing several games due to injuries.

The Portugal international only has two years left on his current contract with AC

, but his desire to seek a new challenge in a different league could lead to his departure from the San Siro this summer.

Aston Villa could meet that desire and also satisfy AC

on the fee front.

Leao prefers Premier League move with Aston Villa keen

The Football Faithful

Aston Villa emerging as suitors for Rafael Leao

SportsView

Aston Villa interested in Rafael Leao, Jorge Mendes holds the key

Get Italian Football News

Report: Aston Villa enter Leao race but forward’s heart set on Arsenal

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Milan hope Aston Villa ask for Rafael Leao after selling Tielemans and Rogers

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