Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan against Inter Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has spoken out on the future of star player Rafael Leao amid recent Arsenal transfer rumours.
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Leao has been a key player for Milan down the years, and there’s often been speculation that top Premier League clubs could try to sign him.
That hasn’t happened so far, but a recent report from Football Transfers stated that Arsenal were in initial discussions over a potential €80m deal this summer.
See below as Fabrizio Romano has quoted Milan chief Tare as appearing to hint at being keen to keep Leao this summer, pointing to the two years he has left on his contract at the San Siro…
???? AC Milan director Igli Tare on Rafa Leão’s future: “Rafa has two years left on his contract and he’s very important for us”.
“His skills are not in doubt, this season he’s suffered from injuries”. pic.twitter.com/ilYRlMbKii
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2026
Arsenal would surely benefit from bringing in something a bit different up front, with Leao’s skill and flair making him an ideal upgrade on inconsistent performers like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
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Rafael Leao transfer could be a great option for Arsenal
Leao has nine goals and two assists in Serie A this season, despite being limited to only 18 starts so far after a few injury problems.
The Portugal international is clearly more of a goal threat than someone like Martinelli, though his stats below paint an interesting picture in terms of how he compares to Martinelli and Trossard…
Leao vs Martinelli and Trossard
Leao vs Martinelli and Trossard (DataMB)
Overall, there are perhaps signs there that Arsenal could do better than Leao, even if he is an option worth considering.
It may also be that the 26-year-old would improve with better players around him, and with a manager like Mikel Arteta to take him to the next level.
Rafael Leao TOTAL SCORE: 16/25
Transfer fee **
Performance ****
Achievements **
Career phase ***
Squad need *****
See the table above for our Leao to Arsenal Transfer Fit rating (more info on this here) and give us your thoughts on whether he’d be good value for money and the right stylistic fit for this Gunners side.