Barcelona is actively pursuing a major signing in the current summer transfer window to significantly impact their squad for the upcoming season. It appears that president Joan Laporta has abandoned hopes of acquiring Nico Williams, the talented Spanish winger from Athletic Bilbao, and is now exploring alternative options.
According to Spanish newspaper *Mundo Deportivo*, Barcelona is keen on signing Portuguese forward Rafael Leao from AC Milan. Barcelona’s efforts to secure Nico Williams fell through as the player expressed his intention to stay with his current club for at least another year.
Laporta is reportedly impressed with Leao’s abilities and envisions an attacking trio featuring Leao, Yamal, and Lewandowski. The Portuguese player’s transfer fee is estimated around €90 million. Barcelona has budgeted funds previously allocated for Williams and plans to use proceeds from player sales to meet this amount.
*Mundo Deportivo* also notes that Leao’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has a strong relationship with Laporta, which could facilitate the deal before the transfer window closes. Leao’s contract with AC Milan runs until the summer of 2028, and the Italian club is expected to be reluctant to let him go easily.
