It is believed that Besiktas submitted a proposal to AC Milan for the sale of Rafael Leao. It is also believed that the bid did not come close to Milan's asking price of approximately €50m plus €10m in add-ons (£42.7m plus £8.5m). Milan will reportedly lower their demands to a total package of as little as €40m (£34.2m) as deadline day approaches.

Increasing reports state that Rafael Leão has altered his intention to leave Milan because he is not impressed by the offers from Beşiktaş. At the end of last season, his departure was considered almost inevitable, as the Portuguese international had repeatedly stated that he considered his time at Milan to be over. Milan also did not intend to extend his contract, which lasts until June 2028.

Besiktas are exploring a move for AC Milan's Rafael Leao as a high-profile alternative after negotiations with Mohamed Salah stalled, according to Goal.com.

Beşiktaş has reportedly emerged as an interested party for Rafael Leão and is the club that has engaged in the most concrete talks with his agent. It was specified that Milan will only approve a permanent transfer and would not approve a loan deal. According to reports from July 2026, AC Milan's asking price is between €50 million and €70 million.