Arsenal handed PERFECT chance to sign €175m superstar

Cameron Smith

1 Nov 2024 21:00 GMT
2 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal have been handed the perfect opportunity to finally sign Portugal superstar Rafael Leao amid uncertainty over his future at AC Milan.

Article continues under the video

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea over the past few years, while Barcelona have also registered their interest in his signature of late.

Milan have been reluctant to offload Leao and the Serie A giants have previously stated that he will not leave the club unless his €175 million release clause is triggered.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal to offer Partey ‘Jorginho-style’ contract extension

However, Leao is now looking to depart San Siro in 2025, largely due to his relationship with Rossoneri head coach Paulo Fonseca, and Arsenal could pounce as they look to bolster their attacking unit.

Fonseca may be sacked by Milan if results don’t improve soon, but Leao is determined to leave the club as early as January, according to Tuttosport.

The 25-year-old has been named on the bench in each of Milan’s past two Serie A fixtures, and he failed to even come on during a 1-0 win over Udinese two weeks ago.

Leao only has one goal in 11 appearances across all competitions so far this season, but his recent absence has reportedly been due to his lack of defensive work-rate, with Fonseca favouring Noah Okafor on the left flank instead.

Rafael Leao to Arsenal?

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Leao in both 2022 and 2023, while the Gunners are now monitoring his current situation at Milan, according to Fichajes.

Nico Williams was Mikel Arteta’s primary transfer target during the most recent window, but the Gunners were unable to convince the Spaniard to ditch Athletic Club for an Emirates Stadium switch.

A move could be possible in 2025, but Williams would reportedly prefer to remain in Spain.

As a result, Arsenal could be forced to pursue alternative targets and given Leao’s current status at Milan and the Gunners’ historical interest in his services, a move makes perfect sense.