EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal approach Leao but January move ruled out

Steve Kay

Updated: 3 Dec 2024 09:51 CST
4 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal have approached the representatives of Rafael Leao regarding a potential transfer.

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This was informal, preliminary contact and not a formal offer for the AC Milan star to sound out whether or not there is interest in a potential move.

Leao, however, made it clear that he is fully focused on the current season and will not move in January, leaving further discussions until the summer.

The Portugal international has had an up-and-down campaign for the Rossoneri, overshadowed by his tense relationship with new head coach Paulo Fonseca.

Leao, of course, is regarded as one of the best wide players in European football and suitors, like Arsenal, will be well aware of his situation and the potential opportunities it presents.

Milan handed Leao a new long-term contract in 2023 to fend off interest from England and France, so any move in 2025 would be very expensive. Unsurprisingly, then, sources have played down links with Barcelona, which have cropped up repeatedly in recent months.

There have also been reports that Jorge Mendes, who is not the player's agent, has been given a 'mandate' to oversee Leao's next transfer and that he is pushing for a January resolution. However, we have been emphatically told that these claims are wide of the mark.

Arsenal's other winger targets

Arsenal's interest in a potential move for Leao raises questions about Gabriel Martinelli’s future. Mikel Arteta has shown a willingness to make bold decisions, sidelining fan favourites to strengthen his squad and the Brazilian's form has been hit-and-miss for some time.

Recent examples include Aaron Ramsdale losing his starting spot to David Raya and Ben White losing out on the right-back role after Jurrien Timber’s return to fitness.

Even stalwarts like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have seen reduced playing time following the signings of Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori.

In addition to Leao, Arsenal have scouted Villarreal’s Alex Baena and expressed interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola. A move for the latter is unlikely, though reports of a rift between the player and Luis Enrique will have piqued the Gunners' interest.

Athletic Club star Nico Williams is still admired while Dortmund’s rising star Jamie Gittens is also on the club’s radar as Arteta continues to build a versatile and competitive squad.

Arteta’s ruthless approach underscores Arsenal's ambition to compete at the highest level, but it also signals a potential reshuffle of the squad’s dynamics, keeping fans guessing about who will remain central to the team’s future plans.

Read more about: Serie A, Premier League, Arsenal, Milan, Rafael Leao