Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
AC Milan winger Rafael Leão has reignited speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal after posting a photo of himself on Instagram wearing a retro Thierry Henry-designed Gunners shirt. The image, shared by the 25-year-old Portuguese star, immediately set social media alight and has intensified existing rumours about a potential switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Leão, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents, was pictured wearing a vintage Arsenal kit featuring the name of club legend Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s all-time top scorer and a player to whom Leão has often been compared. The post quickly drew attention from Arsenal fans, with some interpreting it as a subtle message to manager Mikel Arteta.
“Rafael Leão, estrella del Milan, con una remera de Thierry Henry,” wrote @Arsenal_America on X, while another user, @GoonerReviews, suggested the post might be a “come and get me” plea directed at the Arsenal boss.
🚨 Rafael Leão on Instagram. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/I7OeQT6ffz
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) June 24, 2025
The comparisons between Leão and Henry have long been a talking point among pundits. Leão’s combination of speed, flair, and power from the left flank closely mirrors the style that made Henry a Premier League icon. In 2022, Milan manager Stefano Pioli said, “Leão reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry, who started wide then came inside.” Former Italy coach Fabio Capello has echoed similar sentiments.
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Leão’s admiration for Henry and the Premier League is well documented. In a 2023 interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: “Premier League. I think every player wants to play in the Premier League because it’s a very competitive league. It has engaging football, great teams, and a worldwide audience.” In 2022, he also posted a surf emoji in response to Henry’s legendary Champions League goal against Real Madrid, further endearing himself to Arsenal supporters.
The timing of the Instagram post has only added to the intrigue. AC Milan are coming off a disappointing Serie A campaign, finishing eighth and missing out on European football for the 2025/26 season. Leão’s future has been thrown into doubt after he removed “AC Milan” from his Instagram bio, shortly after being left on the bench during a 2–0 win over Monza.
Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao (Image credit: Getty Images)
Reports from Italy suggest Milan could be open to offers around €80 million (£67 million) for Leão, significantly lower than his €175 million (£147 million) release clause. While Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation, Arsenal have reportedly made early contact through sporting director Andrea Berta, who has expressed “definite interest” in the Portuguese international, even though he is not currently the club’s top transfer priority.
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Mikel Arteta is understood to be in the market for a dynamic winger to provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left, and Leão’s profile fits the bill perfectly. At 6’2″, he offers a rare combination of size, pace, and technical quality that would suit the physicality of the Premier League. Arsenal’s iconic No. 10 shirt worn in the past by Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Özil is currently vacant and could serve as a symbolic welcome should Leão join.
Still, the player has previously expressed loyalty to Milan. In January 2025, he told La Gazzetta dello Sport, “I’m fine here, for the present and hopefully the future,” calling Milan “home.” The club’s recent appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as manager may also influence his decision, with the Italian coach reportedly offering Leão a central role in his rebuilding plans.
Despite those reassurances, Arsenal fans are daring to dream. Whether Leão’s Instagram post signals a genuine desire to follow in Henry’s footsteps or simply a nod of respect to a legend remains to be seen. But as the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on one of Europe’s most sought-after stars.
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