Arsenal are on the lookout for a new forward this summer after missing out on the Premier League title and AC Milan star Rafael Leao has emerged as a target after scoring and assisting eight times in Serie A
Arsenal chief Andre Berta has reportedly held talks with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao over the phone as interest in the Portugal international grows. The Gunners are desperate to sign a new striker this summer after missing out on the Premier League and Leao looks to be on their shortlist.
Leao has emerged as one of Europe’s most talented striker but has not had the most clinical season, netting eight in Serie A – though he did provide a further eight assists.
The 25-year-old is also not the out-and-out striker Arsenal are craving and primarily plays at left wing. As a result, he is not at the top of the club’s transfer shortlist – according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
But after AC Milan missed out on Europe, there have been claims Leao could now leave the San Siro and the report claims Arsenal’s new transfer chief Berta has already spoken to the player.
Leao’s contract expires in 2028, but without the riches that the Champions League offer, Milan may have to cash in on their top stars.
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He was left on the bench for AC Milan’s final game against Monza on Saturday and there is now the prospect that he will never play for the club again.
Foot Mercato adds that while Leao is a target, the club will prioritise other signings over him, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko among the top stars on their wishlist.
Arsenal would have to pay around £63m to sign Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon after an incredible season saw him net 53 times, though the player’s uncle Chris has shed doubt on a move to the Premier League.
When asked if the family felt connected to Sporting, Chris replied: “Yes, very much… yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.” He was then quizzed about whether Gyokeres will stay, adding: “Yes, we think so.”
But the forward remained coy on his future when asked for clarity on his family’s happiness during an interview with A Bola.
He said: “They really like Portugal. I think they want to be here and enjoy the city, the good weather, and all the atmosphere.
“But it’s football and that’s another thing. We’ll see what happens. Yes [I would like to win a third title with Sporting], but we’ll see. I don’t know what will happen in the summer… let’s see what happens.”
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