According to Give Me Sport, Rafael Leao is firmly an option for Arsenal to bolster their attacking options as Andrea Berta wants the Portuguese winger at the club. The Gunners are in the market to upgrade the left-wing position but could see their paths cross with several rival clubs in their attempts to lure the AC Milan star.
Andrea Berta’s arrival as Arsenal’s new sporting director appears to have given the club a new direction in their thinking about transfers. Earlier indications pointed towards a big outlay on the likes of Alexander Isak to fulfil the need for a top-draw striker, but since the Italian has taken over from Edu Gaspar, there has been a divided approach.
It appears that Arsenal are now making smart decisions to bolster their attacking options are they are eager to bring a striker and a top-draw left winger in the budget they had considered for Isak earlier. For instance, his compatriot Viktor Gyokeres is being lined up, and now Rafael Leao is firmly on their radar.
Arsenal are reportedly open to paying big in the summer for Leao, who has a £150 million release clause in his contract. While AC Milan would fight to get a fee as close to that exit clause, any of the interested clubs are unlikely to match that and instead resort to having thorough talks to find a resolution.
Berta is the one leading the chase for Leao, as the Gunners are in the market to upgrade their left wing in the summer. Whether the idea of signing the Portuguese attacker who has had a productive season in Serie A will prove successful remains the question, although he could be a player worth their effort. There are other candidates like Jamie Gittens linked, while Antoine Semenyo and Nico Williams are also targets.
Arsenal are expected to attempt Leao after a productive season in Italy where he has notched 25 goal contributions this term. They will likely cross paths with some of their rivals like Chelsea, as they are interested in the Portuguese attacker. The Milan star does fit into Chelsea’s requirement for a top-draw winger, as they are ready to disperse off with Jadon Sancho in the summer.
Barcelona are also in the mix, although their financial situation might come to dictate whether they are in a position to make a big splash for a player like Leao. As for Arsenal, they do have the budget as well as Champions League football to offer for players like the Portuguese forward, as Berta might lead the chase for the Milan star in the upcoming window.
