£43m AC Milan star ‘offered to Arsenal’ after confirming exit

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Arsenal have reportedly been offered the chance to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao this summer, after the Portugal international confirmed he will leave the Serie A side.

The 26-year-old is said to be available for around £43 million following Milan’s disappointing campaign that saw them finish outside the Champions League places. Leao has been repeatedly linked with Premier League clubs, particularly Chelsea and Manchester United.

According to The Times, Arsenal have now been presented with the opportunity to sign the Portuguese star as the Gunners look to strengthen their attacking options this summer. Leao boasts an impressive record of 80 goals and 65 assists in 227 Serie A appearances during his time at Milan.

The forward recently made his intentions clear in an interview with Sport TV Portugal, stating: “I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want new chapter. I feel ready to play in another league. I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge.”

Positional versatility offers tactical flexibility

Leao spent much of the 2025-26 campaign operating as a central striker for Milan, with only three of his 29 league appearances coming from his preferred left-wing position. However, his statistics suggest he has been most effective cutting in from the left flank, where he has recorded 61 goals and 56 assists across 208 matches.

This versatility could prove attractive to Mikel Arteta, who has identified attacking reinforcements as a priority following Arsenal’s Champions League final heartbreak. The Spanish manager reportedly wants to add a left winger, striker, right-back and midfielder to his squad during the summer window.

Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have also been linked with Leao, though Fenerbahce appear to have cooled their interest. Presidential candidate Safi revealed he met with the player last week but quickly determined he would not be their “hitman” for the upcoming season.

Arsenal eye squad overhaul

The potential arrival of Leao would represent a significant statement of intent from Arsenal as they look to bounce back from their European disappointment. His pace, direct running and ability to operate across the front line could provide the tactical flexibility Arteta seeks.

With his contract situation at Milan unclear and the Italian giants needing to balance their books after missing out on Champions League qualification, the £43 million asking price may represent good value in the current market for a player of Leao’s calibre and experience.

Arsenal’s summer transfer plans are expected to become clearer in the coming weeks as the club begins what promises to be a busy recruitment period.