Cameron Smith
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
© IMAGO
Arsenal have reportedly been told that AC Milan are willing to sell Rafael Leao for a fee as low as €80 million next year.
The Portugal international has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for several seasons and rumours of a big-money switch have intensified in recent weeks amid rumours that Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a new left winger in 2026.
Arsenal completed the signings of both Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke this summer, however neither player is best when deployed on the left flank, while some speculation has suggested that Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli could leave the Gunners next summer.
As a result, Arsenal have been looking for a suitable replacement and they have identified the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Rodrygo and Leao as key targets, as per reports.
Chelsea are also reportedly monitoring Leao’s situation at San Siro" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2025/11/chelsea-transfer-news-rafael-leao-ac-milan-arsenal-120m" target="_blank">Chelsea are also reportedly monitoring Leao’s situation at San Siro, despite the recent arrivals of both Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, although Arsenal are “ready” to accelerate their interest in his signature during the upcoming January transfer window.
That is according to CaughtOffside" href="https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/11/09/sources-arsenal-speedy-winger-price-tag/" target="_blank">CaughtOffside, who claim that Arteta views Leao as the perfect player to strengthen Arsenal’s attack.
Furthermore, it’s reported that Milan are willing to sell Leao for between €80-85m next year, despite the fact his current contract at the club includes a release clause worth €150m.
Rafael Leao, AC Milan
© IMAGO - Rafael Leao, AC Milan
Rafael Leao to Arsenal?
Leao has scored five goals and provided one assist in eight appearances across all competitions so far this season, and it’s understood that he could be tempted to leave Milan after spending the last six-and-a-half years at the club.
However, Arsenal are set to face a fierce transfer battle for his signature, with Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and the aforementioned Chelsea also keeping tabs on his development, as per CaughtOffside.
Leao’s current contract at Milan runs until 2028, but the Serie A giants will reportedly consider a sale next year if they are unable to agree a new deal with the Portugal international.
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