Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea to battle it out for the signature of AC Milan attacking sensation Rafael Leao.
According to a report from TBR, Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in the services of Rafael Leao, who could be on the move this summer. Both London clubs want to bolster the left flank and consider the AC Milan star a great option.
Leao has only gone from strength to strength since joining the Italian giants from LOSC Lille. While he might not have lit up the world, he has been a consistent performer over the years. He has featured in a total of 43 matches this season and has contributed towards 19 goals (10 goals, 9 assists).
While his contract at Milan runs until the summer of 2028, there has been a lot of talk about his future. He reportedly wants to join a bigger club with a more ambitious project, and his agents are already at work. The Serie A outfit will certainly demand a fortune for him, but there is still no shortage of takers.
Chelsea and Arsenal have emerged as two potential destinations for the Portuguese international. While the Blues have a lot of quality in their attack, they still want more firepower on the left flank as Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended, and they could decide against signing Jadon Sancho permanently.
Leao’s representatives are assessing their options, and they do consider Chelsea as a great option for him to take the next step. But the Blues will have to battle it out with Arsenal, who are looking to bring in a right-footed winger on a priority basis.
Bailey’s take on Arsenal’s plans for the summer
TBR Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey recently talked about the Gunners’ transfer plans heading into the summer, and he made it quite clear that Leao is one of the names on their list.
While speaking to TBR, he said: “Arsenal’s scouting team were already hard at work before Andrea Berta’s arrival – he has not overturned the department or thinking but has just added his depth and knowledge.
“He believes the club need a new player for the left and we know he has already held talks over Nico Williams, but they are doing their work on other options.
“Rafa Leao is someone who is on the radar of a number of clubs, including rivals Chelsea.
“The feeling in football circles is that he could leave, Like with Williams and Luis Diaz, his dream move is Barcelona – but that is true of many players.
“Leao is an interesting player, and one who Arsenal are aware of, and have done work on him.”
Arsenal plot a raid on Milan for Leao
Arsenal’s top priority this summer will be to sign a world-class striker who could lead the line for them. However, it appears they are placing equal importance on signing a new left-winger, aiming to mirror the strength they already possess on the right with Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri.
Andrea Berta, who recently took charge as their new sporting director, is already at work. He has held talks with Nico Williams, who is their priority target, but signing him won’t be that easy, given the number of clubs that are after his signature.
They have also kept a close eye on Leao and have been doing some work in the background as they look to raid Milan this summer. The Portuguese international’s future will certainly be one to keep an eye on with both Chelsea and Arsenal keen on his signature.
