AC Milan tracking Phil Foden amid Rafael Leao sale talks

AC Milan have set their sights on Manchester City and England midfielder Phil Foden, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport. The Serie A giants are only prepared to pursue the 26-year-old if they can offload Portugal forward Rafael Leao to raise funds.

What happened?

Tottenham remain confident of signing Savinho from Manchester City, while Real Madrid have cooled their interest in Rodri. AC Milan are now keeping tabs on Phil Foden, but any move for the England international would require the sale of Rafael Leao. Leicester City defender Ben Nelson has told his club he wants to leave, with Manchester United and West Ham both interested in the 22-year-old.

Why it matters for Phil Foden

Foden’s stock remains sky-high two years after he helped Manchester City secure a historic treble. Milan’s monitoring suggests the Serie A side see him as a long-term replacement for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is 29. The Leao clause shows Milan’s financial caution: they won’t stretch their wage budget without freeing up cash.

What comes next?

Milan must first find a buyer for Leao, 27, whose wages and buyout clause could deter potential suitors. Foden’s contract at City runs until 2029, so any bid would need to top £100m to pry him loose. Romano’s report adds that Arsenal are set to sign Elijah Upson after the teenager rejected Tottenham’s new deal.

Transfer window watchlist

Liverpool are closing in on 17-year-old Samuel Martinez for about £750,000. Chelsea are still locked in talks over Maxence Lacroix, but Crystal Palace’s £70m asking price is holding up progress. Juventus lead the race for Folarin Balogun, while Tottenham’s Cristian Romero is drawing interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.