AC Milan forward Rafael Leao dreams of playing in the Premier League with Arsenal or two other clubs, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 7).
The Portugal international has been a key performer for the Rossoneri over the past seven seasons and has accumulated almost 300 appearances.
He still has two years remaining on his contract, but has made up his mind to move on. The 26-year-old has confirmed that he is ready for a ‘new chapter‘ away from Milan.
The breakdown in his relationship with the Rossoneri means the Serie A outfit won’t offer a discount on their £43 valuation despite his long-term commitment.
Leao ‘dreams’ of playing in the Premier League with Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea.
Arsenal may not pursue a deal for Leao
The 26-year-old played upfront in a 3-5-2 formation under Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri last term. He had a difficult time, contributing just 10 goals and three assists.
However, his statistics were far superior during the 2024/25 campaign, where he operated as a specialist on the left wing. He accumulated 12 goals and 13 assists for the Rossoneri.
Leao could be reinstated on the left flank with Allegri having been sacked, but the Portuguese has decided to secure ‘a new challenge’ in another league after seven years.
Arsenal have long been linked with a move for the former Lille man. It was reported in Italy last year that sporting director Andrea Berta is a big admirer of the versatile forward.
However, the final transfer decision will be taken by manager Mikel Arteta, who could be resistant to an approach, given Leao’s poor defensive work rate over the course of his career.
The attacker has been guilty of preserving energy and prefers to operate in the opposition half. He is not someone who will regularly track back to help out his full-back out of possession.
Defensive output has become a compulsory trait under modern managers, and it is a reason why Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have been the left-sided wingers at Arsenal.
Arsenal are looking for a marquee left winger this summer, but may not want someone who tends to drift in and out of matches. Leao’s inconsistency and low defensive intensity are obvious drawbacks.
The Gunners could pursue two left wingers with Trossard and Martinelli possibly on the way out. Leao would be a good second signing for the role, but should not be the marquee acquisition.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com