Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who has previously been likened to former Gunners player Thierry Henry.
The 22-year-old can play in a number of positions, from left-wing to striker and represented a potential option for Mikel Arteta to strengthen in his forward lines.
The Spaniard is set to lose both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah at the end of the season as free agents, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving for Barcelona in January.
That leaves academy prospect Folarin Balogun, currently on-loan to Championship side Middlesbrough, as the only option going into the next campaign.
Leao could have operated in one of those striking roles, or he could have played on the left cutting inside, similar to how Emile Smith Rowe has been utilised.
The Portuguese international has also been likened to a former Gunners player and icon in Henry.
AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli spoke about the 22-year-old and said: “He reminds me so much of [Thierry] Henry.
“I think he has to convince himself and work hard on his head to try to be ambitious. One with his means must think of reaching the top of the world, but talent isn't enough. He has understood that he has to work in a certain way.”
However, Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of the forward.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, a contract extension for Leao is pushing closer and the Rossoneri are not concerned by any Premier League interest.
It represents another knock to the Gunners in their recent transfer struggles, with the club looking to sign the right players for their style and ambitions.
Arsenal’s summer could shape the next few years for the club and where it takes them, making it equally important to sign the right players.
Where they finish this season may be of equal importance to attracting the right players, but Arteta has a task on his hands to get the Gunners back competing at the top once again.
