Premier League heavyweights Arsenal have established initial contacts to sign 25-year-old Portuguese international Rafael Leao from Serie A club AC Milan.
According to a report by Football Transfers, Rafael Leao is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are keen on reinforcing their offensive department in one of the two transfer windows next year. They have made preliminary contact with the AC Milan attacker’s entourage, although a deal will not see the light of day in the January transfer window.
Rafael Leao and his AC Milan journey
Rafael Leao has been one of the best players in Serie A since joining AC Milan from LOSC Lille in August 2019. While the former Sporting CP forward has blown hot and cold throughout his spell with the Rossoneri, the Italian club’s fortunes have hinged on his performances.
Fortunately for AC Milan, Leao has stepped up this season, even though his output does not reflect that. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old has a solid tally of five goals and five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, the 37-cap Portuguese international has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe with his exploits for AC Milan. A move to the Premier League might be on the cards for Leao, with Arsenal among his prospective suitors ahead of the two transfer windows next year.
London calling?
Arsenal’s interest in Rafael Leao makes sense. While Bukayo Saka has been exceptional for the Serie A giants, Gabriel Martinelli has blown hot and cold in the last 12 months. In addition, Leandro Trossard has not convinced Mikel Arteta to make him an undisputed first-choice attacker for Arsenal.
So, the North London club should invest in a top-class left-sided forward, with Leao emerging as a viable target. The Gunners have already approached the AC Milan attacker’s representatives regarding a move. However, the Serie A giants do not want to part ways with their prized possession midway through the 2024/25 season.
So, a deal will not see the light of day in the January transfer window, and Arsenal must wait until the summer to land the 25-year-old winger. It will be interesting to see if the 37-cap Portuguese international moves to the Premier League next year.