Arsenal are making a big move to add more firepower up front ahead of next season. Sporting director Andrea Berta has acted fast by engaging in direct negotiations to secure a world-class talent. This bold early step puts the North London club ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race to sign Rafael Leao.
How Andrea Berta disrupted Man United’s plans for Rafael Leao
Manchester United are reportedly keen on the 26-year-old AC Milan forward as they seek a high-profile addition to their attack. However, Arsenal have stepped in after Andrea Berta held face-to-face talks with Rafael Leao’s camp. As per reports, this direct approach has given the Gunners a clear lead to land his signature. United now trails in the race because the Gunners took decisive action under Berta’s lead. While United were strongly interested initially, they stayed in a more passive role.
AC Milan have set their asking price between €75 million and €80 million for their star man. The club has tied down the Portugal international under contract until summer 2028. His market value sits at around €70.5 million, a figure that reflects his status as a top European forward. Although the forward’s contract contains a €150 million release clause, it’s unlikely to be triggered. Milan will green-light a sale only if a strong, serious offer lands on their table.
There are also some conflicting reports from Italian outlets suggesting that Milan are conducting renewal talks with Leao to extend his stay beyond 2028. He has given a clear message to the AC Milan board about extending his current deal. There is no real urgency, as his contract does not expire until 2028, so he is not close to becoming a free agent.
The winger has reportedly told his agent to push forward with talks over a summer switch to the Premier League. The winger sees English football as the peak of his career ambitions.
Andrea Berta now leading negotiations for Arsenal F.C. in their pursuit of Rafael Leão.
Understand Manchester United F.C. have lost momentum in the race at this stage.
Early days — but the direction of travel is interesting 👀
Gunners, how confident are you? pic.twitter.com/cCDjFvAwmu
— Surjitsingh (@SinghAFC_19) February 21, 2026
Why are Arsenal going for Rafael Leao?
Arsenal have identified a need for more consistency out wide. Players like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have shared the left flank all season. But neither has kept up a top level of output for long enough. By signing Rafael Leao, Andrea Berta wants to spark real competition and bring a sharper goal threat to the squad. He is fast, direct, and hard to stop with the ball at his feet.
At AC Milan, he has scored 79 goals and set up 64 more in 280 games. This season he has hit eight goals in just eighteen league matches. Meanwhile, his style of play allows him to thrive in a high-tempo system. This suits the way Mikel Arteta likes his team to play. He is strong, quick, and wins his one-on-one duels with ease. Leao is often compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo or Thierry Henry because of his flair, direct attacking style, and technical explosiveness. He can play as a left winger or as a centre forward, which gives the manager more options.
The winger also made history as the youngest Portuguese player to score ten or more goals in a single Serie A season. His presence would take pressure off others in the team and free them up to do more. As a result, bringing in a player of his quality would send a clear message that Arsenal means business at the top of the Premier League.
The Andrea Berta Impact
Arsenal have clearly established themselves as the leading candidates for this major transfer. The decisive face-to-face meetings held by Andrea Berta have given the club a strategic advantage over Manchester United. For now, no deal has been agreed yet, and Leao remains under contract. Fans will be eager to see if a player of his “superstar” level could one day arrive at the Emirates.
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