The most pressing issue at Milan right now is the future of Rafael Leao, and the situation is moving fast. Agent Jorge Mendes arrived in Milan on August 19 for talks with the club, with Leao's departure before the September 1 deadline now looking increasingly certain. Ruben Amorim has made his position clear: the Portuguese winger does not fit his plans, and the 4-2 pre-season win over Manchester United only reinforced that view. Leao missed that game through a minor knock, but his absence felt symbolic given how emphatically others stepped up in his place.

Amorim's preferred system is taking shape around different profiles. Samuel Chukwueze was outstanding against United, and youngster Alphadjo Cissé also impressed. The arrival of Diego Moreira from Strasbourg, a signing that cost close to 70 million euros, completes the picture: Amorim now has the wide forward he wanted, and there is simply no clear role left for Leao. Galatasaray and a Saudi club have made offers, while the Chelsea option remains distant.

Beyond Leao, Milan are still active in the final weeks of the window. Santiago Gimenez is close to joining Porto, Youssouf Fofana is attracting interest from Juventus, and Amorim has asked the club for five or six further additions before the deadline. Samuele Ricci is being discussed with Como. With Serie A starting on August 23 at Torino, the squad is still being shaped, and how cleanly Milan resolve these departures will define how ready they are for the season ahead.