With the summer transfer window heating up, Arsenal are coming into the picture as real contenders to land AC Milan‘s electric winger, Rafael Leão. The Gunners are seeking to bolster their attack further. They can provide the Portuguese winger with something none of the other clubs can- a maximum platform for his career.
Rafael Leão and Arsenal Fits Arteta’s Vision
Mikel Arteta has built a cohesive yet athletic side, one of the most exciting teams in all Europe. It combines youthful exuberance with tactical intelligence. There’s still scope for improvement. The one area of the pitch that Arsenal can improve upon is the wide attacking position. Bukayo Saka has done exceptionally well on the right side. However, the left side has been woefully short of stability with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard rotating there with Emile Smith Rowe as well.
Leão would be an upgrade, if not an improvement due to his explosive pace, his skill on the ball and his ability to go directly at goal! Leão, only 24 years old, is a defender’s worst nightmare. He can go inside or stretch play as a wide option. His lively creativity and audacity would give Arteta a new attacking dynamic and a world-class option when facing those stubborn defences
One of Arsenal’s main attractions is returning to the Champions League as genuine contenders. After years of rebuilding, the Gunners are now a threat in Europe, and Leão could be the final piece to make a challenge for the biggest trophies. With some clubs linked to Leão, like Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea, there is a project with a clear vision under Arteta, and a solid foundation, which would be impossible with the aforementioned clubs. Leão will add good value by putting himself in the limelight of the Premier League.
🔴⚪️ | Arsenal are interested in a move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, according to former Man United scout, Mick Brown:
“They have been looking at him since the start of the season and potentially beyond that, because it’s a position they are aware they have problems in.” 🇵🇹… pic.twitter.com/PlfDQSnvbt
— Punch Drunk Arsenal (@PunchDrunkAFC) May 19, 2025
It is understandable for AC Milan to be hesitant about losing their best player. Leão’s release clause is at €175m. But i highly doubt that any club would be in a position to pay that. Reports have indicated that the Rossoneri would only consider offers in the region of €100m (£85m), which would show a commitment from Arsenal financially, for a player that represents significant value.
AC Milan’s Transfer Fee and Competition For Signing
The Gunners have demonstrated their willingness to pay big money for the right player. They did the same with Declan Rice’s £105 million transfer last summer. If they see Leão as a transformational signing, they could go back to the well again. They may need to move on players, such as Reiss Nelson or even Eddie Nketiah. This will help them to create some cash flow and balance the budget a little bit.
Arsenal are not the only club interested in Leão. Paris Saint-Germain will need a replacement for Kylian Mbappé’s impending departure, and they could think Leão is a perfect fit. Chelsea have had a strong need for a world-class winger and so they have also been linked to Leão.
Chelsea and PSG do funnel resources to elite players. But it would seem Arsenal hold an edge due to their stability of the project and the Portuguese speaking players. Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira, being a familiar context for Leão to quickly integrate into.
Leverage In Arsenal’s Attack
If Arsenal ultimately did sign Leão, Arteta would then have the ability to rotate their forwards more effectively. It will help relieving the pressure on Saka and Martinelli to play every match at 110%. Given Leão’s versatility, Arteta could move him around to play in any of the positions in the front three. If Leão signs, it could help elevate Martinelli, whilst creating a healthy level of competition.
Rafael Leão would be a statement signing for Arsenal. It will be signaling the idea that they want to compete with the best in Europe. While the price of the transfer would be eye-watering, there is no doubt that he could become a player worth that outlay. With Champions League football, and a project that is clear, Arsenal could offer Leão everything he needs to become not only a global star but a global mega star in the world of football.
Conclusion
The ball is now in Edu and Arteta’s court. Do they make the first move and provide the most perfect welcome present to North London? If so, this time in the very near future witness some of the magic that could be Rafael Leão, on display at the Emirates Stadium.
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