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The Blaugrana have been foiled again in their efforts to sign a top target this summer
Barcelona's ongoing quest for a new left winger has taken a significant hit as AC Milan's CEO, Giorgio Furlani, has categorically ruled out any possibility of Portuguese star Rafael Leao leaving the Italian giants this summer.
This news comes as Barcelona continues to grapple with financial difficulties, which have already affected their squad, including the potential departure of Ilkay Gundogan.
Leao to Barcelona ruled out
Barcelona's interest in Rafael Leao, seen as a potential dream alternative to top target Nico Williams, has been met with a firm response from the Portuguese star’s current side AC Milan.
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In a recent interview, Milan CEO Furlani made it clear that Leao would not be leaving the San Siro this summer.
Speaking with El Chiringuito TV, Furlani said, "Rafael Leao will not leave AC Milan this summer. Barcelona interest? No chance. No way. He’s not leaving, 100%. What if Rafa asks to leave? He’s not going to ask to leave the club. I think my message is quite clear."
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The Milan boss’ comments effectively shut the door on Barcelona’s hopes of landing Leao and the Catalans must now shift their focus elsewhere, potentially reconsidering other options like Federico Chiesa, who is currently the frontrunner for the left-wing position.
Gundogan's uncertain future amid Barcelona’s financial woes
Barcelona’s inability to pull a top talent like Rafael Leao has only further stressed how fragile Barcelona’s financial situation is currently.
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The latest development in Barcelona’s ongoing financial saga involves German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who is on the verge of leaving the club after just one season.
The newly-retired ex-Germany international, who captained Manchester City to a historic treble before joining Barcelona at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, is reportedly exploring a return to the Premier League champions.
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According to reports, Gundogan’s departure could be driven by Barcelona’s ongoing struggles to register new signings, and the Blaugrana are reportedly open to letting him go as it would free up significant wages, allowing them to complete the registration of their summer acquisitions.
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