Arsenal switch information as £43m AC Milan star ‘supplied’ after new problem admission
Rafael Leao has confirmed his desire to leave AC Milan and play in another league, with Arsenal reportedly being offered the chance to sign the Portuguese winger this summer
Rafael Leao could be ready for a new challenge in the Premier League (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal have reportedly been presented with the chance to secure AC Milan star Rafael Leao this summer. This comes after the Portugal international’s recent admission that he desires to leave Milan for “another challenge”.
The winger is understood to be priced at around £43million following the Serie A club’s relegation to Europa League football this campaign. The 26-year-old has repeatedly been touted for a move to English football, notably Chelsea, while Manchester United have also been cited.
And it is now being claimed in the Times that Arsenal have been approached regarding Leao, with the Gunners expected to strengthen their attacking ranks this summer.
The Portugal international has notched 80 goals and 65 assists across 227 league outings in Italy’s premier division.
However, the forward is now pursuing a new adventure in his career, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to Sport TV Portugal, he said: “I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want new chapter.
“I feel ready to play in another league. I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge.”,
Leao was deployed mainly through the middle as a striker for Milan this season, with just three of his 29 league appearances coming from the left wing, though he has been most productive operating from the left – scoring 61 times and contributing 56 assists in 208 matches.
A move to Turkey has also been linked for Leao, with both Fenerbahce and Galatasaray reportedly interested. However, Fenerbache won’t be landing his services this summer.
This comes after the club’s presidential candidate Safi held discussions with Leao last week, concluding that he wouldn’t be their next “hitman” for the 2026/27 season.
At a press conference, he stated: “I met Leao a few days ago, but after 10 minutes of chatting, I realised he won’t be our hitman.
“How did I realise that? Because we asked, we looked into it.”
The Gunners are poised to prioritise strengthening their forward line as part of a broader squad overhaul following their gut-wrenching Champions League final defeat.
Arteta is believed to have pinpointed a left winger, striker, right-back and a new midfielder as the areas he wants to bolster over the summer.
