Arsenal identify ‘outstanding’ winger who is better than Nico Williams as transfer target ahead of summer window

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Arsenal are interested in signing Rafael Leao as an alternative to Nico Williams this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.

Leao is enjoying an impressive season for AC Milan, scoring ten goals and registering nine assists across all competitions.

This form has prompted interest from a host of top clubs throughout Europe, including Arsenal and Chelsea.

Leao has been linked with Arsenal for some time now, and the Gunners may finally make their move this summer as they look to secure a new long-term top class left-winger.

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Arsenal are ‘looking at’ Rafael Leao as Nico Williams alternative

Gabriel Martinelli has struggled to rediscover his best form this season, while Leandro Trossard is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.

Thus, Arsenal are in need of a left-sided forward this summer, and the search has already begun to find one.

It’s well-documented that Arsenal hold an interest in Williams, although it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard would agree to swap the Basque region for N5.

The North Londoners aren’t keen on putting all their eggs in one basket and are subsequently eyeing potential alternatives to Williams.

TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that Leao is among those being considered by Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta as a substitute for the Athletic Club man.

“Leao is one of the options that Arsenal are looking at,” he said.

“It’s obviously not a new link. He’s one who is considering his future. Arsenal are aware of his situation, Chelsea too, very strongly.

“We know that Arsenal want that left-sider, obviously in Arteta’s system it’s a right-footer to invert. We know [Bukayo] Saka and [Ethan] Nwaneri are set on the other side. So yeah, Arsenal are doing their work.

“Will Leao be the first option for them? Hard to say. We know Nico Williams is the one they really would like in an ideal world, but they’re not putting all their eggs in one basket.

“If Leao is available, then there will be an interest there from Arsenal. An outstanding player who they’ve looked at before. It’s something they’re aware of, the situation.”

Rafael Leao and Nico Williams’ statistics compared

While Leao is three years older than his Spanish counterpart, he is arguably the better option.

It may ultimately come down to price and wage demands, but the Portuguese’s numbers are undoubtedly more encouraging.

On the surface level, Leao has managed more goal contributions this season in Serie A than Williams has in La Liga.

However, the Milan wide forward’s underlying metrics are significantly better, accumulating more expected goals and more expected assists per 90 minutes.

While Williams completes slightly more take-ons, he also attempts significantly more per match.

The Arsenal analytics department should be looking at the respective profiles and advising the hierarchy that Leao is the superior player at this point in their careers.