Breaking News 🚨: Unai Emery has yet again made another phone call to sign this wonderful player and has promised to bring him to the club. You won’t believe who he called this time!

Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal for Rafael Leão as the race for the AC Milan forward enters its decisive stages, with Galatasaray also pushing strongly to secure his signature.

Villa initially made contact with Milan after discovering the Portugal international was open to leaving San Siro.

Antonio Vitiello later described the situation as a straight battle between Villa and Galatasaray, with super-agent Jorge Mendes working to find his client a Premier League move.

Villa have since intensified their pursuit. Marco Ramiccia reported that a delegation travelled to Milan for face-to-face talks, while the club also explored ways to create additional room within its wage structure.

Tammy Abraham’s potential loan move to Ipswich Town could assist those efforts. However, Galatasaray have put forward the more lucrative financial package.

David Ornstein reports that Milan have accepted a £40 million offer from the Turkish champions.

Leao has also been offered between £8-10m after tax per season, although he has yet to approve the transfer.

Villa have been discussing a loan deal with an obligation to buy, despite Milan’s preference for an immediate permanent sale.

Sky Sports says Villa’s proposal could be worth £38.5 million, including bonuses.

Matteo Moretto has now delivered an encouraging update for Unai Emery, claiming Villa are ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement after ‘several’ calls between Emery and Leao.

Villa have been honest about their financial limitations. They cannot match Galatasaray’s salary offer, but Leao reportedly prefers continuing his career in the Premier League.

Emery’s direct involvement highlights the importance of the 27-year-old to Villa’s plans.

The manager can offer Champions League football, a major attacking role and the chance to become one of the leading figures in his rebuilt squad.

Leao would also bring the explosive pace and ball-carrying ability Villa lost when Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea.

Starting from the left, he could provide a dangerous outlet and link effectively with Nicolas Jackson.

There is still work to do, particularly convincing Milan to abandon the permanent offer accepted from Galatasaray.

But with Leao favouring England and Emery pushing personally, Villa now have a genuine chance of completing one of the window’s biggest deals.