CM: Rayan already shining in the Premier League – the background on Milan’s pursuit

Rayan announced himself on the Premier League stage with a goal for Bournemouth, and AC Milan might have been watching on with envy.

Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha, better known as simply Rayan, immediately stole the show on his full Premier League debut. He joined in the winter from Vasco da Gama, with whom he scored 16 goals in 42 games in 2025 at just 18 years old.

After getting an assist in his 22 minutes off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Brazilian scored the goal that earned his side a draw. His future, however, could have been in Serie A.

A regret for Milan?

As Calciomercato.com report, Milan and Lazio had previously made moves for Rayan. Bournemouth beat the competition thanks to a €30m offer and a project that convinced both the 2006-born player and Vasco da Gama.

Milan had explored the idea of signing Rayan both in the summer and in the Autumn. First, the Rossoneri had inquired after loaning Samuel Chukwueze to Fulham with an option to buy, but the pursuit cooled off given the prohibitive cost of the deal, between €35-40m.

Photos: Paul Kane + Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

Christopher Nkunku was the forward Milan chose to sign for a similar fee. In November, rumours once again suggested that Milan were pursuing the teenager, but in January they switched to Niclas Füllkrug instead, wanting a new No.9.

Lazio actually started negotiations with Vasco da Gama during the recently concluded winter transfer window. Sporting director Fabiani had made an offer of around €20m plus a 50% resale clause, but it was €10m short of the asking price.