Barcelona’s new priority winger target declared ‘non-transferable’ by his club

As reported earlier today, Rafael Leao has emerged as the new priority target for FC Barcelona to strengthen the left flank before the transfer

Having missed out on Nico Williams, the Blaugrana have identified the 25-year-old Portuguese international as a key target as they intend to make a marquee signing before the transfer window closes.

Any move for Leao will be hard for Barcelona, but the report suggested that they would receive help from superagent Jorge Mendes, who represents the winger.

AC Milan declare Leao non-transferable

However, now, according to journalist Adrian Sanchez, AC Milan have declared Rafael Leao as ‘non-transferable’ dealing a blow to Barcelona’s hopes of pulling off the signing.

As per the report, Leao’s contract with the Rossoneri had a release clause worth a mammoth €170 million, which expired at the end of June.

Now, with the new season underway and less than two weeks left before the transfer window closes, Milan have no intentions to let their star forward leave.

Leao is considered a pivotal part of the project at the club and as such, the Serie A heavyweights have deemed him ‘non-transferable’.

What next for Barcelona?

A move for Leao was always going to be a pipedream for Barcelona considering that the Portuguese international would likely command a transfer fee in the range of €100 million.

The Catalans have other, more affordable targets on their agenda, with Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman an option.

Juventus outcast Federico Chiesa is another alternative, with talks already underway with his agent, Fali Ramadani over a possible transfer.