Arsenal have been the latest team linked with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao who is set to leave the Serie A side this summer in search of a new challenge
20:57, 01 Jun 2026
Rafael Leao looks on
View 2 Images
AC Milan star Rafael Leao has reportedly been offered to Arsenal this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal have reportedly been given the chance to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao this summer. It comes after the Portugal international recently confirmed he will leave Milan.
The winger is said to be available for around £43million after the Serie A giants were forced to settle for the Europa League this season. The 26-year-old has repeatedly been linked with a move to English football, in particular Chelsea, although Manchester United have also been mentioned.
And it is now being reported in the Times that Arsenal have been offered Leao, with the Gunners expected to strengthen in attack this summer. The Portugal international has 80 goals and 65 assists in 227 league games in the Italian top-flight.
But the forward is now looking for a new challenge. Speaking to Sport TV Portugal, he said: "I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want new chapter.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"I feel ready to play in another league. I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge."
Leao was deployed predominantly down the middle as a centre-forward for Milan this season, with just three of his 29 league outings coming from the left, but he has been at his best from the left - scoring 61 times and laying on 56 assists in 208 appearances.
Rafael Leao
View 2 Images
Arsenal have reportedly been offered Rafael Leao(Image: Getty Images)
A move to Turkey has also been mooted for Leao, with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray both linked. However, Fener won't be signing him this summer.
It comes after the club's presidential candidate Safi held a meeting with Leao last week and decided that he wouldn't be their next "hitman" going into the 2026/27 season.
Arsenal 2026/27 home kit with 'Champions 26' printing
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
from £55
Fanatics
Buy Now on Fanatics
Arsenal are Premier League champions and fans can celebrate the historic achievement by securing the new 2026/27 home kit with 'Champions 26' printing.
Speaking in a press conference, he said: "I met Leao a few days ago, but after 10 minutes of chatting, I realised he won't be our hitman.
Article continues below
"How did I realise that? Because we asked, we looked into it."
The Gunners are set to make attacking reinforcements a top priority as part of a broader squad overhaul following their agonising Champions League final defeat.
Arteta is said to have earmarked a left winger, striker, right-back and a new midfielder as the positions he wants to strengthen in over the summer.