Arsenal have been handed a potential boost in signing AC Milan winger Rafael Leao this summer.
The Portugal international has been with the Rossoneri for the past seven years, but he has now revealed his desire to pursue a ‘new club’ away from the Italian top-flight.
In an exclusive interview with Sport TV, the 26-year-old said that he is proud to have made history at Milan, but he is now ready for a ‘new chapter’ in another league.
Leao said: “I am proud that I made history at Milan, but now I want a new chapter. I am looking forward to playing in another league. I did my best for Milan, the club gave me everything, but I am feeling ready for a new team, a new league and a new challenge”
Arsenal handed a boost in Leao pursuit
The Gunners have utilised Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as their specialists on the left wing. The former was the regular starter for the club during the 2025/26 season run-in.
Trossard and Martinelli will enter the last year of their contracts this summer, but the latter has a 12-month extension clause. There is a possibility that both could head for the exit door.
Arsenal may seek to replace them with two high-profile signings. The Gunners are firm admirers of Leao, and it has been reported that their sporting director, Andrea Berta, likes him very much.
The 26-year-old played as a second striker for the Rossoneri in the recent campaign. He struggled in an out-of-position role, managing just 13 goal contributions across all competitions.
However, he was brilliant as a specialist left winger during the 2024/25 season. The former Lille man notched up 12 goals and 13 assists and was one of the club’s best players at the time.
Hence, it is quite clear that he is best as a wide attacking player on the left. Leao has dazzled with his pace and quick dribbling, and can be a menace to opposition defenders on his day.
Corriere dello Sport claim that he could be available for between £43m and £52m this summer. He would be a good acquisition, though lingering concerns remain about his defensive output.
Leao is not someone known for helping out his defenders out of possession. Trossard and Martinelli have been hailed for exactly that, and manager Mikel Arteta tends to prefer such players.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal go ahead and make a formal approach for Leao, now that he has publicly admitted that his future will be away from the Rossoneri ahead of next season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com