Report: Pep Guardiola now wants to sign ‘untouchable’ forward, after he’s linked with Newcastle

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AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is now wanted by Manchester City according to Foot Mercato. The forward has previously been linked with Newcastle (La Repubblica) this summer as well as Liverpool in the same report.

The Portugal international has been described as “untouchable” by Milan director Paolo Maldini (Gazzetta Sport). Additionally, Leao’s release clause is said to be £127.56m, showing he’s a high-value player at the Italian club.

Signing Leao always looked a difficult operation for Newcastle, but they face even more competition now that Man City are interested.

He usually plays on the left-winger or left-forward, a position the Magpies will want to bolster this summer. Newcastle’s attacking options out wide lack consistency, with Allan Saint-Maximin being their best outlet on the wing.

Newcastle should pursue other targets, Leao’s release clause is too expensive

The price is too much for the Magpies. Leao is an exciting prospect, but he’s not one of Europe’s top players just yet. Furthermore, if City buys him for a lower fee than his release clause, it will still be a lot.

If Man City want Leao then the Toon should leave them to it. Considering the potential issues they could face with Financial Fair Play (FFP) the £125.56 million release clause isn’t worth it.

There are plenty of other players they can target that would improve Newcastle’s attacking options. Maxwell Cornet of Burnley now has a low release clause of £17.5 million, for example.

A hurdle they will face is a lack of European football, they have more money in the bank. However, other top Premier League sides can boast Champions League or Europa League football next season.

But the signings of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes will give them hope. The duo have made an impact at Newcastle. Other top players may see the bigger picture and want to be part of the project. Which could make for an exciting future.

This summer, Eddie Howe will have to be careful with how they spend. They can’t risk breaking the FFP rules during this window. They’ll want to strengthen in a number of positions this window, not just the attackers.