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Arsenal have reportedly established contact with AC Milan over a move for Barcelona-linked Rafael Leao in the January transfer window. This is according to a report from Football Transfers, who say that the Portugal international will not be moving in the winter.
Regardless, a transfer for the 25-year-old is set to cost a fair bit, with Leao contracted at the San Siro till the summer of 2028. That being said, this report fails to clarify whether the Gunners or Barcelona will look to move for the player next summer.
It isn't surprising to see Arsenal looking to sign Leao, given that he could be an improvement either on the left wing or in the striker's position. Currently, the north London side are without a traditional number nine, with Kai Havertz playing the role.
If Leao's services were to be acquired, Mikel Arteta could play him down the middle and move the German into midfield. Another option is to utilize the former Lille star on the left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are competing for minutes.
Neither of the two have been overly convincing this campaign, leaving room for another player to become the first choice at the Emirates. However, Leao is seemingly clear that he's focused on finishing the campaign with AC Milan.
So far this year, the attacker has made 18 appearances across competitions, bagging five goals and assists each. However, Leao's Italian employers are seventh in the Serie A standings, 10 points short of table-toppers Napoli, having played a game less.
Mikel Arteta compares Arsenal duo's chemistry to Barcelona legends
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Bukayo Saka (left) and Martin Odegaard
Arsenal have been sensational in the past week, most recently destroying West Ham United 5-2 at the London Stadium on Saturday (November 30). Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard's chemistry was on display as the pair managed to bag a goal each in this tie.
In a recent press conference, Mikel Arteta was asked about the duo's bond with one another on the pitch. The Gunners boss compared their connection to Barcelona legends Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets, saying (via Metro):
"I’ve seen centre-backs, I’ve seen midfielders between them having. I always think about Barcelona with Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta – it was unbelievable."
Saka has made 18 appearances across competitions this campaign, bagging seven goals and 11 assists. Meanwhile, Odegaard has featured in just eight ties due to injury, bagging a goal and three assists.
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Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee