Arsenal are expected to sign a new left winger this summer.
Andrea Berta has been linked with a number of exciting attackers in recent months, but one name that keeps generating excitement among supporters is Rafael Leao.
Reports have claimed that Leao offered himself to Arsenal after deciding he wanted a new challenge, and it is easy to see why many fans would welcome him with open arms.
However, Mikel Arteta may not have been impressed by something Leao did just days after those transfer links emerged.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Rafael Leao may have ruined his chances of joining Arsenal after his red card
There is no questioning Leao’s talent.
The Portuguese international is one of the most explosive wingers in world football when he is at his best – he is quick, skilful, unpredictable and capable of producing moments that completely change games.
Those qualities make him exactly the sort of player Arsenal could use on the left side of their attack, but talent alone has never been enough for Arteta.
The Arsenal manager places huge importance on discipline, professionalism and making the right decisions in pressure situations.
That is why Leao’s recent red card will have raised a few eyebrows.
During Portugal’s clash against Chile, tensions boiled over between Leao and Ivan Roman. The pair became involved in an altercation, and the situation escalated when Leao appeared to strike the Chilean defender in the face.
The referee had little choice but to show a red card. It was completely avoidable and left Portugal with a man fewer than they should have had.
Arteta has defended Arsenal players after red cards in the past, particularly when there has been an element of bad luck or controversy involved.
But when a dismissal comes from a moment of lost discipline, his reaction is usually very different.
That is why Leao’s actions may not have gone down particularly well if Arsenal are genuinely considering a move for him.
Fill the blanks: If Rafael Leao was Arsenal’s top summer target, I’d feel _________ 💬
Mikel Arteta’s Nicolas Pepe comment makes his feelings on violent red cards clear
Arsenal supporters do not need to look very far back for an example. In November 2020, Nicolas Pepe was sent off against Leeds United after headbutting Ezgjan Alioski.
Arteta was furious afterwards and made his feelings crystal clear.
He said, as per BBC Sport: “It is unacceptable. Unacceptable! At this level, you cannot do it.”
When asked if Pepe should apologise, Arteta added: “That depends on the player. It is unacceptable. I will deal with the player.”
Those comments tell you everything you need to know. Arteta can forgive mistakes, but needless acts of aggression are another matter entirely.
If Arsenal were seriously considering Leao before his red card, this latest incident is unlikely to have strengthened his case.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
