The situation in the transfer market is starting to heat up and Rafael Leão’s name is once again on the agenda of the big European clubs. Arsenal are still looking for a strong reinforcement for the left side of the attack. Mikel Arteta wants a deeper squad, with real variants that can make the difference in tight games. Last season he made clear the need for a left winger with goals, pace and physical presence. Although Leandro Trossard had his moments, his inconsistency did not allow him to establish himself as a starter. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli suffered ups and downs. In this context, Leão appears as an option with great offensive potential.
According to [_Fichajes.com_,](https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/milan-le-pone-precio-venta-rafael-leao-cifras-xxl-20250530.html) any club interested in signing Rafael Leão will have to prepare a minimum bid of 130 million euros. AC Milan are not ruling out his sale, considering that the money could be key to renewing the project. Elimination from the Coppa Italia, coupled with the club’s absence from European competition next season, has left the club in a delicate financial position.
Leão’s contract runs until 2028 and his buy-out clause is 175 million, although the board have reportedly already reduced their demands. There is interest from Saudi Arabia and also from English clubs, including Chelsea. Arsenal are among the suitors, although it is unclear whether they would be willing to go that far.
Rafael Leão is a different kind of striker. He has power, pace and an ability to change games that is not easily found. If Arsenal can sign him, they would gain a player who drags defenders, creates space and can define on his own. Although he has not been consistent in every season, his ceiling is very high.
With Arteta, he could find the tactical structure that will allow him to consolidate. The Spanish coach has shown that he can develop creative players, as he has done with Odegaard and Saka. Leão, with space, can be lethal. In the Premier League he would have more pace, more physicality, but also more opportunities to show his talent.
However, paying 130 million for a player who has not shone in the Champions League or established himself as a reliable goalscorer may seem like a risky bet. So, from another perspective, it might be wiser to look at the likes of Nico Williams or even Rodrygo, if the Brazilian becomes available.
Both are more consistent, though perhaps less explosive. In addition, there is the impact on the dressing room to consider. Leão would not only bring quality, but also a strong personality. That can be positive or negative, depending on how it is handled from the inside.
Financially, such an operation would only make sense if the club sells a first-choice player or secures revenue in other ways. Therefore, it may make the most sense to keep Leão as a plan B, in case other negotiations go cold. However, if the price drops or if a creative formula appears, such as including a player in the deal, then Arsenal should go for him without a second thought. His talent can make a difference in games where that unbalanced strike has so far been lacking. Is he worth 130 million? Maybe not. Does he have the potential to be worth it in a year’s time? Probably yes.