The 26-year-old AC Milan winger, speaking in an interview broadcast by BBC Sport, was asked which clubs he watches in the Premier League. His answer was unambiguous.
"Of course, I watch the Premier League a lot," Leão said. "I like Manchester United, especially for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my idol. But Arsenal is also a team I follow on TV."
The comments arrived at a sensitive moment for Leão's career at Milan. The club finished fifth in Serie A, missing Champions League football for the second consecutive season, with Leão's form inconsistent in the second half of the campaign. He managed 10 goals and three assists across 28 appearances. Supporters grew increasingly frustrated with him during the final weeks of the season, and the breakdown in relationship has accelerated talk of a departure.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan are prepared to listen to offers, with a valuation of around €50 million. United have been monitoring Leão for some time and, according to multiple reports, his intermediaries have been actively sounding out potential destinations.
United manager Michael Carrick has identified the left wing as an area requiring reinforcement this summer. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are both expected to leave Old Trafford permanently, with Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha currently the primary options in that position. Leão would represent a significant upgrade in quality, though one report suggests Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa remains Carrick's first preference.
The feasibility of any deal depends on creative structuring. United have been linked with swap proposals involving Joshua Zirkzee or Manuel Ugarte, given Milan's interest in several United players as part of their own reconstruction.
Leão is contracted at Milan until June 2028, giving the Italian club leverage — but no power to force a player who increasingly appears to have his eyes elsewhere.