Arsenal have identified Raphinha as their main transfer target to strengthen the wing positions for Mikel Arteta ahead of next season. However, a deal is proving difficult to complete.
It is important that Edu searches for alternatives to prevent the Gunners from leaving the summer transfer window empty-handed in the wing positions. A useful alternative for the north London side would be Rafael Leao who could be available for a transfer.
The AC Milan winger has been heavily linked to Arsenal this season. With Edu already signing a Portugal star in Fabio Vieira during this summer transfer window, the Gunners’ technical director could sign another in Leao.
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On Tuesday evening, The Athletic’s David Ornstein had reported that Arsenal had a bid rejected by Leeds United, with the player also not viewing the Gunners as a preferred move with Chelsea and Barcelona both linked to the winger. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has quoted Raphinha to cost around £65million.
A potential transfer for Raphinha looks like a tough task to complete which is why Leao would certainly be an ideal alternative. According to Spanish news outlet AS, AC Milan president Paolo Scaroi has left the door open to the possible sale of Leao.
Arsenal reportedly registered interest in Leao earlier in the season as Italian outlet La Repubblica claimed that Arsenal 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.
The Portuguese attacker has 13 goals and seven assists for Milan this season, and would certainly add more quality to Arsenal’s frontline. What makes him more of a desirable signing is that he can feature on either the wing positions or as a lone forward, which highlights his versatility.
His excellent performances this season helped his Milan side to lift the Serie A trophy and beat their fierce rivals Inter Milan to first place. Leao's importance to this trophy was highlighted by the fact that he won Serie A player of the season.
However, a deal will not be easy to complete because alongside Chelsea’s reported interest via 90min, According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport , PSG are prepared to offer AC Milan £59million to also secure the services of the Portugal international. The Parisian club are also willing to pay the youngster £5million-a-year in order for him to join the club, meaning Arsenal have been given an indication of what it would take to persuade the winger to join the club.
Raphinha should certainly still be the priority for Arsenal. But if a transfer collapses for the Brazilian then the Gunners can explore a transfer for Leao from AC Milan.
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