Arsenal are reportedly plotting a move for AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao in the event that they part ways with Gabriel Martinelli this summer, former scout Mick Brown has revealed.
The Gunners missed out on silverware for a fifth consecutive season, and the pressure is building on Mikel Arteta and his entourage to deliver titles for fans to celebrate. It is expected to be a busy summer which will see new sporting director Andrea Berta lead a spending spree of up to £300 million to bolster the squad ahead of next season, per GIVEMESPORT sources.
In particular, reinforcements are needed in the attacking areas, with Arsenal often struggling to create enough goals as a result of inconsistent form from the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Now, the North London outfit could make a sensational move for one of the best wingers in the world in Leao.
Arsenal Eyeing Move for Leao
The Gunners are looking to sign a winger this summer
Brown, speaking to Football Insider, revealed that Leao remains firmly on Arsenal's radar, and the Portugal international would be an ideal fit for Arteta's tactical set-up.
"Rafael Leao is one of the players Arsenal have been looking at.
"They have been looking at him since the start of the season and potentially beyond that, because it’s a position they are aware they have problems in.
"He’s very direct, quick and skilful which is exactly the type of winger they’re looking for.
"He likes to go at his man, stretch teams and make a difference going forward.
"I think Arsenal have lacked that type of player this season because apart from Saka they don’t have decisive players in the final third who will make a difference."
With 12 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions, Leao, previously dubbed "one of the best wingers in the world", has been one of AC Milan's most prolific attacking outlets this term. He also has 39 caps for the Portugal national team, and has scored five goals in the process.
Rafael Leao vs Gabriel Martinelli vs Leandro Trossard - 2024/25 Statistics comparison
Metric
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Shots per 90
Key Passes per 90
Successful Take-Ons per 90
The Rossoneri are reluctant to let their star leave for cheap, and have reportedly placed a €100m (£83m) price tag on his services. Such a fee could be too much for Arsenal, who have a number of other priorities to tend to this summer.
The likes of Liverpool and Barcelona are both keen to sign him as well, especially the former, who see the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have also expressed an interest in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, with Berta reportedly seeing the deal as one of the club's priorities this summer.
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Statistics courtesy of FBRef.com - Correct as of 18/05/2025