Arsenal have been handed a potential Rafael Leao transfer boost if the AC Milan star ends up being the winger they choose to pursue in the summer window.
football.london understands that Mikel Arteta would like to sign a wide forward in addition to welcoming a striker, defender and back-up goalkeeper. To fill the former, Bryan Mbeumo, Rodrygo, Jamie Gittens and Nico Williams all appear of interest.
Leao is the latest name mooted as a potential signing with sporting director Andrea Berta's business methods resulting in links to numerous players arriving. That also involves contact being made with that seemingly the case regarding Leao.
Back in May, Footmercato reported that Berta had spoken to Leao on the phone with the Milan star told of a 'definite interest' from Arsenal, but that he was not considered a 'top priority'.
Leao managed 25 goal contributions from 50 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign which is an impressive return considering Milan's struggles. Finishing eighth in the Serie A and losing the Italian cup final means they will not play European football next season.
Their poor results saw two managers sacked in the last six months with both Sergio Conceicao and Paulo Fonseca overseeing just 55 games between them.
With preparations for the next campaign in focus, Milan wasted no time in appointing a new manager with former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri confirmed as their new head coach earlier this week and he is said to have big plans for Leao.
According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, as quoted by Milan News, Milan allowing the Portugal international to depart will only be considered if a 'truly unmissable offer' arrives. They have also noted he has been given 'important reassurances on his future'.
Though his stance on keeping Leao is clear, making new signings could impact Leao's own feelings on a move with the Rossoneri one of many Italian clubs targeting Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho.
Napoli have identified the Argentine international, who is free to depart Old Trafford with £60million as his asking price, as a potential signing while Chelsea have also been linked.
Ruben Amorim looks to have identified a Garnacho replacement with the club officially confirming the arrival of Matheus Cunha on Sunday. United will pay his £62.5million Wolves release clause through instalments over the next few years.
With that switch confirmed, Garnacho is seemingly free to leave and AC Milan making a firm push for his signature could see the door open for Arsenal to sign Leao.