Barcelona is reportedly considering moves for two high-profile wingers, Rafa Leao and Federico Chiesa, as they look to conclude their transfer activity this summer. Spanish sources confirm that the club is keen to add a top quality attacking player and has had discussions with super-agent Jorge Mendes regarding Leao, while they have also spoken to Fali Ramadani about Chiesa’s situation.
However, Leao is considered untouchable by AC Milan at this point in time. The Rossoneri are not looking to part with their star player, especially with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window. Milan would face significant challenges in finding a suitable replacement quickly. Although Barcelona has not made an official offer for Leao, talks have been exploratory. Reports suggest that the Catalan club is not inclined to pay the full release clause of €175 million, which expired on July 15, and they are aware that pursuing Leao would be extremely challenging.
Conversely, Chiesa presents a different scenario. The Italian international is seen as a potential option for Barcelona, and the player himself is reportedly very interested in a move to Spain. Juventus has been actively seeking a club willing to take Chiesa, who currently earns €5 million net per year. His entourage has indicated that a move to Barcelona would be very attractive for him, both technically and in terms of the environment.
Recent reports suggest that Barcelona could offer around €14 million to Juventus for Chiesa’s transfer, alongside a three-year contract for the player. However, any deal is complicated by internal issues at Barcelona, where financial fair play regulations are a major concern. They still need to register Dani Olmo and must reduce their wage bill, which has created urgency to offload players like Ilkay Gundogan and Vítor Roque before they can properly pursue Chiesa or, more unlikely, Leao.
Interestingly, there has been interest in Leao from Saudi Arabia as well, with intermediaries exploring a potential move, but no formal offers have reached Milan. As it stands, it appears highly probable that Rafa Leao will remain with Milan, ready to face Lazio on August 31, while Chiesa’s future remains uncertain as the clock ticks down on the transfer window.