Fabrizio Romano Denies Tottenham Negotiations for Rafael Leao, Links to Gakpo Continue

Transfer market whispers linking Tottenham Hotspur with a move for AC Milan’s star winger Rafael Leao have been met with a strong denial from renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. According to Romano, there are currently no negotiations taking place between Tottenham and Leao’s camp, nor between the London club and AC Milan regarding the Portuguese international.

Instead, Romano suggests that Tottenham’s primary transfer focus in that area of the pitch is on Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. However, any potential pursuit of the Dutch international is contingent on Liverpool’s willingness to sanction a sale, a stance that currently appears unlikely.

Leao’s Future at Milan

Rafael Leao’s situation at AC Milan has been a subject of considerable speculation, particularly following his public statements after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. At that time, he indicated a desire to move on from the San Siro club after seven years. However, following the appointment of his compatriot Ruben Amorim as head coach, there was a brief period where it seemed Leao might reconsider his future.

His performances in the recent World Cup, including a goal against Uzbekistan and an assist for Goncalo Ramos in the Round of 16 match against Croatia, further fueled thoughts that he might have a role to play under Amorim. Despite Amorim’s preference for wide playmakers within his 3-4-2-1 system, a persistent argument suggests Leao might not be a perfect tactical fit for the new manager.

Milan’s Stance

Sources indicate that AC Milan’s management views Leao’s time at the club as having reached its end. The club is reportedly tasking his agent, Jorge Mendes, with finding suitable new accommodations for the player. Despite these efforts, the number of concrete offers for Leao has apparently been limited.

Romano’s comments, shared on his YouTube channel and reported by MilanNews, directly address the Tottenham links. His assertion that “Tottenham is interested in Gakpo, but it depends on Liverpool, who are currently not open to a sale. There are no negotiations between Tottenham and his agent regarding Rafa Leao, nor between Tottenham and Milan,” provides a clear insight into the current state of affairs.

Tottenham’s Transfer Strategy

For Tottenham Hotspur, the reported interest in Gakpo suggests a continued search for attacking reinforcements. The club has been active in the transfer market, and securing a player of Gakpo’s caliber would represent a significant statement of intent. However, the apparent difficulty in prising Gakpo away from Anfield highlights the challenges Premier League clubs face when targeting players from direct rivals, especially those who are not deemed surplus to requirements.

The lack of negotiations for Leao, despite persistent rumors, indicates that either Tottenham has other priorities, or the valuation and demands from AC Milan have not aligned with their transfer budget or strategy. This clarification from Romano provides a welcome dose of reality for fans who have been following the speculative reports surrounding both players.

Key facts
| Player | Club | Linked With | Romano’s Statement |
|—————–|——————|———————-|—————————————————|
| Rafael Leao | AC Milan | Tottenham Hotspur | No negotiations with Spurs or agent. |
| Cody Gakpo | Liverpool | Tottenham Hotspur | Spurs interested, but depends on Liverpool’s stance. |

The situation for both Rafael Leao and Cody Gakpo remains fluid, with their respective futures at their current clubs subject to ongoing speculation and transfer market dynamics. For Tottenham, the focus appears to be on identifying targets that fit their strategic goals and are attainable within the current market conditions.

Source: SempreMilan RSS – https://sempremilan.com/leao-links-spurs-focus-gakpo-liverpool

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