AC Milan no longer consider Rafael Leao untouchable in the transfer market as his relationship with Massimiliano Allegri wears thin.
For all of the success the Arsenal squad are achieving this season, one doubt is so clear, and it’s the future of Mikel Arteta’s options on the left wing.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard need to be upgraded, with the threat of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke on the right desperately needing to be mirrored on the left.
Fortunately, Arsenal already seem to be doing the groundwork, as Andrea Berta has spoken to Rafael Leao’s representatives.
Being a star in Milan, signing Leao won’t be simple, but the task might have just got easier.
- READ MORE: Andrea Berta makes Arsenal transfer plans clear after learning his Khvicha Kvaratskhelia chances
Fill in the blank: I would pay £___m to bring Rafael Leao to Arsenal next summer…
AC Milan have changed their Rafael Leao transfer stance amid Arsenal interest
AC Milan’s defeat to Lazio indicated a change in how the Rossoneri feel about Leao’s future.
The Portugal international threw a bit of a tantrum, behaviour that has since seen TuttoMercatoWeb report that the player and his club are now at a ‘crossroads’.
As a result, it’s understood that the winger has gone from untouchable to tradeable in terms of the summer transfer window.
The Italian outlet states that while Milan aren’t going to list Leao as available for transfer, ‘no one would be opposed to a good offer’.
For interested clubs, including Arsenal, heads might have been turned by the latest drama in Italy, but it’s unclear what Arteta will think.
I think Mikel Arteta would have doubts about Rafael Leao
With nine Serie A goals so far this season, Leao would be an upgrade on Martinelli, who has scored just once since the 2025/26 Premier League campaign kicked off.
While Leao’s talent is undeniable, it has to be wondered whether Arteta would approve of his temperament at Milan.
Within TuttoMercatoWeb’s report, it was stressed that if things were to improve between Milan and Leao, it would come as a result of the player changing his ways.
Fill the blanks: If Rafael Leao was Arsenal’s top summer target, I’d feel _________ 💬
‘Recovering the situation isn’t impossible, but it requires a radical change of direction on the player’s part. Leao’s talent has never been in doubt, but that alone isn’t enough when he starts creating more problems than he solves.’
That sentence doesn’t read well, particularly not for a club as united as Arsenal.
There are no big personalities in the Arsenal squad, which, while being littered with superstars, maintains a feel that everyone is equal.
Leao’s actions have altered how Milan feel about keeping him at the club, which is alarming given the positive culture and environment at Arsenal.
It would be fascinating to learn how Arteta now sees the Arsenal target, as quality is one thing, but character is just as important.
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