Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Bailey Keogh

Arsenal receive key Rafael Leao boost amid contract stand-off as AC Milan target replacement

Arsenal will need to sign a wing-forward ahead of next season to further complement Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal have seemingly already identified this player, and have potentially eliminated Chelsea as being a stumbling block.

According to Italian news outlet Tuttomercato, Chelsea are willing to compete to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan. To secure his services a transfer could cost upwards of £100million, with £105million bids expected to be launched.

Considering the stardom of Leao, and Arsenal’s need for more forward reinforcements, Edu can throw his hat in the ring, as he did previously. And there is an extra incentive to do this as AC Milan are struggling to secure the player's future.

READ MORE: Announce Moises Caicedo!' - Arsenal fans send Stan Kroenke and Edu transfer deadline day demand

According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta_it, talks have totally broken down between Leao and AC Milan over a new contract. The winger has been in talks with the Serie A side since the start of the season.

These reports come after Leao said: “Experience in a new league? Yes, in the future… but now I’m 100% focused on AC Milan — it’s a top club and I’m under contract there. I like the city too.

"I watch many games. This year, I like Arsenal — they’re playing very well," he said speaking to RDPAfrica via Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal reportedly registered interest in Leao early last season as Italian outlet La Repubblica claimed that the Gunners had turned their attention to the AC Milan forward for the summer transfer window. It is a deal that Edu could look to revisit, as Arsenal could be short in the wing positions going into next season.

It seems the Rossoneri could already be lining up a replacement as according to French news outlet Foot Mercato, AC Milan will make a bid to sign Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle. They want an initial loan with an option to buy. Both Saint-Maximin and Leao play in the same position.

READ NEXT:

Arsenal agree £12m Jorginho transfer as Brighton Moises Caicedo stance unchanged

Camavinga or Mitoma announcement, Caicedo signs - Arsenal's best and worst transfer deadline day

Moises Caicedo to Arsenal transfer explained as Edu makes surprise Jorginho move

Arsenal cannot copy enviable but scattergun Brighton transfer strategy amid Moises Caicedo bid

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.