Milan have lowered their asking price for Rafael Leão to €40-45m, with Ruben Amorim having told the club's management that he sees no place for the No.10 in his project, according to Peppe Di Stefano on Sky Italia.
The Leão situation has taken an odd shape this summer. The player made his desire to leave clear, yet the offers he might have expected never arrived, and Milan have been left struggling to find a buyer for a player who was supposed to command a premium.
Di Stefano reported that Amorim has been direct with the board about Leão's future, telling them the forward does not fit what he wants to build. Following that, Milan director Hendrik Almstadt met Leão's entourage yesterday to relay Amorim's position.
The consequence is a reduced valuation. Where Milan once held out for far more, the figure has now come down to €40-45m in an effort to get a deal done. Turkey remains a live destination, and the lower price only strengthens that avenue, with the Rossoneri actively working towards a departure.
Should no move materialise, there is a distinction worth drawing. Amorim will not freeze Leão out in the way he has with Christopher Nkunku, even while making it plain that he wants the Portuguese sold. That leaves open the possibility of a season with a player the coach has already earmarked to leave.
From here, the price is set and the message has been delivered; it is up to the market, and Leão's camp, to produce the buyer Milan have been waiting on all summer.