Arsenal are reportedly among those clubs interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate Rafael Leao, who has also drawn the attention of Chelsea. This is as per a report from TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, who claims that the Gunners are in search of a right-footed left-winger.
The likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have failed to establish their starting position this season, which may have prompted Mikel Arteta to look into the market. However, the aforementioned Brazilian seems to have improved his performances in recent weeks, which may change the Gunners’ minds.
As of now, Bailey has told TBR:
“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.”
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He added:
“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.”
Rafael Leao is contracted with his current team, AC Milan, till the summer of 2028. However, they have had a forgetful season and are currently placed ninth in the Serie A standings. However, the Portugal international himself has contributed 10 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances across competitions.
A move away to Arsenal will earn him the chance to compete in the Champions League next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate reveals five-time Ballon d’Or winner received interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Patrice Evra revealed that the Portuguese superstar received interest from the Gunners and Chelsea in 2018. Eventually, Ronaldo joined Juventus from Real Madrid, reportedly for a whopping €117 million that year.
Evra, who shared the pitch 121 times with Ronaldo for the Red Devils, claims that the 40-year-old striker would never join the Gunners. Speaking to RMC Sport, he said (via GOAL):
“There was Paris, Arsenal… That was before he signed for Juventus (in 2018). He had Chelsea, Juventus, Paris. He said he would never go to Arsenal.”
Ronaldo spent three years at Juventus, where he scored 101 goals and bagged 22 assists in 134 appearances across competitions. He managed to win the Serie A title twice.
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Arsenal Reportedly Join Chelsea in Pursuit of AC Milan’s Rafael Leao
Premier League giants Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, joining fellow London club Chelsea in expressing interest. According to reports from TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, the Gunners are actively seeking a right-footed player to bolster their left-wing options.
This potential move comes as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta seemingly seeks to inject fresh dynamism into his attacking lineup. While Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have featured on the left flank, neither has consistently cemented their place as first-choice, prompting the club to explore alternatives in the transfer market. Although Martinelli’s recent performances have shown signs of improvement, Arsenal’s scouting department, under the guidance of Andrea Berta, continues to assess potential acquisitions.
Bailey suggests that Arsenal’s interest in Leao is concrete, stating:
“He believes the club need a new player for the left… 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.”
Despite AC Milan enduring a disappointing season, currently positioned ninth in Serie A, Rafael Leao’s individual contributions have remained noteworthy. The Portuguese international has amassed a solid tally of 10 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his attacking prowess.
Rafael Leao’s Key Stats (2024-2025 Season):
- Club: AC Milan
- League: Serie A
- Appearances: 43
- Goals: 10
- Assists: 9
- Contract Expiry: Summer 2028
A transfer to Arsenal would present Leao with an enticing opportunity to compete in the prestigious UEFA Champions League next season, a platform AC Milan might miss out on given their current league position.
Flashback: Cristiano Ronaldo Snubbed Arsenal for Juventus, Reveals Patrice Evra
In a related revelation, former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra disclosed that Cristiano Ronaldo, Leao’s fellow Portuguese international, had garnered interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea back in 2018. Ultimately, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner opted for a move to Juventus from Real Madrid in a blockbuster deal reported to be around €117 million.
What are your thoughts on Arsenal’s pursuit of Rafael Leao? Do you think he would be a good addition to the Gunners’ squad? Let us know in the comments below!
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