Arsenal have the perfect welcoming gift waiting for Rafael Leao at the Emirates Stadium. The 25-year-old winger faces an uncertain future at the San Siro after AC Milan failed to qualify for either of UEFA's three competitions.
Leao, whose contract expires in June 2028, featured 34 times in the Serie A this season, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists. Despite his best efforts, the Rossoneri missed out on European football, finishing eighth place with 63 points.
The Portugal international's impressive performances haven't gone unnoticed, and he's reportedly attracted interest from the Premier League. According to French outlet Footmercato, Andrea Berta spoke to Leao on the phone earlier this month.
The report claims that the Arsenal sporting director informed him of 'definite interest' from the Emirates Stadium. It's said that Leao is on the Gunners' shortlist, but he's not their 'top priority' at the moment.
Footmercato claims Arsenal are exploring 'several options' before making a final decision. As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not the north Londoners will launch a bid for Leao, but they've certainly got a valuable bargaining chip on the table.
The number 10 shirt, which the forward currently wears for Milan, has been vacant at Arsenal since Emile Smith Rowe left last summer. The Hale End graduate donned the iconic jersey for two years before leaving the Gunners to join Fulham in August 2024.
Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Robin van Persie have all previously worn the number 10 shirt for Arsenal, as have Dennis Bergkamp and Paul Merson. The jersey would be the perfect welcoming gift for Leao, who will have the opportunity to write himself into the club's history.
Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in January 2025, the Milan forward committed his future to the Rossoneri. Leao said: "I was already a fan when I joined, as many of my favourite players spent time here.
"I wished to stay for years. Now, I have to thank those who brought me here and helped me grow. I’m fine here, for the present and hopefully the future."
In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in March 2024, Leao explained why he plans to stay loyal to Milan. Leao said: "My future is at Milan. I'm here and I still have a four-year contract.
"Milan helped me when I was in a very difficult situation, they were close to me. I don't forget, I'm loyal. I arrived as a boy, here I grew up as a man and as a footballer. I want to win again, my head is here."
Leao added: "Now it's my home. I like everything: shopping, fashion, even the climate, because it feels like being in Portugal. If you think Milan is cold, try spending a winter in Lille.
"And then the food! I like everything about Italian cuisine: pasta, risotto, fish."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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