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 a winger, Edu can throw his hat in the ring, as he did previously. But, the Gunners are not the only challengers to Chelsea, as Manchester City are also reported to be interested in the winger.
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According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Manchester City are considering offering Jack Grealish to AC Milan in a swap deal with Leao, despite Grealish making the £100million switch to City less than two years ago. The report goes on to say that it is unclear if Milan would be open to the swap as they have concerns over Grealish’s age and £300,000-a-week salary.
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 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.
The Portuguese attacker had 13 goals and seven assists for Milan last 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 position or as a lone forward, which highlights his versatility.
His excellent performances last 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 success was highlighted by the fact that he won Serie A player of the season.
The race to sign Leao is starting to heat up with Manchester City reportedly registering their interest in the winger. But, the two London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea will hope to persuade Leao to join their side.
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