According to reports in Italy, AC Milan have opened talks to extend the contract of Arsenal target, Rafael Leao. Like all other big clubs, Arsenal do not have just one but a list of targets for the upcoming transfer window. However, it seems that one of the top names is on the verge of getting omitted from the list now.
Rafael Leao has been a vital player for AC Milan ever since he arrived at the San Siro from Lille three years ago. His performance further improved this season and he is making headlines in the football world. Thus, it is no surprise that big European clubs are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, who has just two years left on his contract.
The Gunners are no different, with the club interested in securing the services of the Portuguese forward. Arsenal are aiming to sign at least two forwards in the upcoming transfer window and Rafael Leao is among the shortlisted candidates. However, recent reports are not favourable to the North London club’s wish.
According to Italian reporter Antonio Vitiello (via The Sun), Milan have held talks with Leao to pen a new deal. The Italian giants have offered around £70,000-a-week to extend his contract, but the Portuguese forward has asked for more. He further said that the forward’s camp has also received an “important” offer from another European club. The player, however, is happy playing under Stefano Pioli and is open to extending his stay at the club.
Leao arrived at San Siro in the summer of 2019 for around £19million and has improved every season. In over 110 appearances for Milan, he has 26 goals and 16 assists, playing mostly on the left-wing (stats via Transfermarkt). In 31 Serie A games this season, the winger has scored 10 goals and has 5 assists, ranking first and second in goals scored and assists list, respectively, among his teammates.
His contribution is one of the major factors why Milan currently sit at the top of the Italian league, ahead of rivals Inter with three games to go. The young attacker even scored against Atletico Madrid and provided an assist in the 3-2 defeat at Liverpool, in the Champions League this season. He also debuted for the Portuguese national team this season and already has 5 caps to his name.
If Milan do not find a solution to extend Leao’s contract, they could cash in on the forward this summer. Due to his young age and potential, the Rossoneri would command a high fee between £60million and £70million. The Portuguese’s former club Lille would also receive a certain percentage of this transfer fee.
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If Arsenal can convince Rafael Leao to switch San Siro for Emirates in the summer, they will get a player who can play both on the flanks as well as a number nine. However, the player is preferring to stay in Milan. So even if he leaves, the Italians will demand a very high fee.
It could prove to be a difficult transfer to pull off for the Gunners, given the current circumstances. However, there is absolutely no doubt regarding the winger’s ability and potential to score goals in all situations and against any team.
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