Arsenal are reportedly the latest Premier League club to show an interest in AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
The Portuguese international, 22, has a contract at San Siro until 2024, but AC Milan are hoping to tie him down to a long contract after his much-improved performances this season. However, with a host of Premier League clubs following the player, it will be a difficult task for the Rossoneri to keep hold of him for long.
According to Italian publication La Repubblica (h/t The Metro), Arsenal are considering a summer swoop for Rafael Leao after missing out on the signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January. The Gunners were heavily linked with Vlahovic, who joined Fiorentina’s Serie A rivals Juventus in a staggering €75m deal last month.
Rafael Leao, meanwhile, is enjoying a fantastic 2021/22 campaign for Stefano Pioli’s side. The 22-year-old’s performances have helped Milan lead the Serie A table after 25 games, with the Portuguese bagging seven goals and four assists in 21 outings. Overall, he has 10 goals and five assists in 27 appearances this season, playing out on the left.
Rafael Leao to Arsenal—A sensational move for the Gunners?
Arsenal could potentially find themselves desperately weak up front come the end of the season. Both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contracts in the summer and they don’t look like extending their stays at the Emirates Stadium.
The interest from the Gunners in Rafael Leao stems from the uncertainties surrounding the future of Lacazette and Nketiah.
While Rafael Leao may not be an ideal ready made choice, he has the potential to develop into a top-quality marksman. The 22-year-old is comfortable playing anywhere across the front-line but largely excels off the left due to his tendency to cut in on his right foot and test the goalkeeper. With his explosive pace and eye-catching dribbling skills, he also likes to hit the byline before making crosses into the box for the strikers to feast on.
The Portuguese international has been such an influential presence for Stefano Pioli’s Milan this season, excelling both on and off the ball and enjoying a consistent run down the left flank. With his pace, strength, work rate and dribbling skills, Leao has been a complete nuisance for Serie A defenders. At 22, the ex-Lille man is still relatively young but seemingly ready for his next big step.
However, he has some rough edges to smoothen out in his game to reach his true potential and that could happen under a tactically astute manager like Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. If the Gunners can offer Leao Champions League football, a deal would be more realistic to happen in the summer.
