Serie A heavyweights AC Milan are reportedly targetting an ambitious coup to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal to replace Rafael Leao.
According to Calciomercatoweb, AC Milan have set their sights on Gabriel Martinelli to replace Rafael Leao, who could depart from San Siro before the transfer window shuts. The Brazilian attacker has two years left with Arsenal and is reportedly valued at around €40-50 million.
AC Milan have made an indifferent start to their defence of the Serie A title. The Serie A champions only managed a draw with Sassuolo on Matchday 4, with some of their attacking talents on the wings proving to be underwhelming. Moreover, they could lose one of the main stars before the summer transfer window shuts down.
Rafael Leao’s future remains in doubt, with Milan fruitlessly attempting to renew his deal. The Rossoneri value him at more than €100 million, with some specific interest coming from the Premier League.
At that price range, only a handful of clubs can afford to sign the Portuguese international, named Serie A player of the season for 2021/22. Chelsea are reportedly considering making an offer, but it may have to be pushed to the latter stages of deadline day.
If Milan lose Leao, who has two years left on his deal with the Serie A club, they might attempt to sign a viable replacement. The Italian media are linking them with an ambitious move for Gabriel Martinelli, who might be untouchable in the current scenario.
The Arsenal attacker, like Leao, has two years left on his deal, although the Gunners reportedly have an option to renew it for another season. According to the report, the Brazilian international is valued at €40-50 million, but there is no chance the north London club will entertain any offers.
Martinelli produced a brilliant performance against Aston Villa on Wednesday, and Mikel Arteta will urge Arsenal to ignore the overtures of any interested clubs. The Brazilian winger seems settled and has been afforded first-team opportunities since last season.
At present, he is Arsenal’s first-choice left winger, and the club have set their sights on renewing his contract for the longer term. Martinelli is happy with life in London, and there is no chance a move will happen.
Meanwhile, the Gunners could make a late dash in the window to sign a midfielder, with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz linked. Palmeiras’s Danilo also features on Arsenal’s list, but there are difficulties in completing the move.
