Rafael Leao Back On The Radar Of English Premier League Giants As AC Milan Brace For Record-Breaking Bid

AC Milan star Rafael Leao has re-emerged as a transfer target for English Premier League leaders Arsenal. 

Leao is widely considered as one of the best wingers in the world and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bring him to London next summer.

The Spaniard wants to increase his attacking options in wide areas. Leao fits the profile that Arteta is seeking and he believes he can turn the 26-year-old into a global superstar.

Rafael Leao Transfer News Reveals Arsenal Interest

Even though the latest Rafael Leao injury has temporarily derailed his season, the Portuguese international’s stock continues to rise.

Leao has scored five Serie A goals in 10 appearances so far in 2025-26 and provided one assist. His continued improvements have re-caught the attention of Arsenal.

Head coach Mikel Arteta already has the likes of Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Leonardo Trossard and Max Dowman operating as wingers.

However, Leao would offer an alternative style of play and has the potential to form a lethal partnership with Saka on the opposite flank.

Arteta is also considering Real Madrid’s Rodrygo as an alternative but remains confident he can strike a deal with Milan. The Rossoneri star is his preferred target.

Rafael Leao Valuation

Naturally, Rafael Leao won’t come cheap. The Portuguese star is valued at €70million on TransferMarkt. He has two-and-a-half years to run on his current deal so would likely cost Arsenal around €100m.

That would easily dwarf the record departures of Kaka in 2009 (€67m) and more recently, Sandro Tonali in 2023 (€60m).

Ironically, Tonali’s considering a Serie A return after spending the last three seasons at Newcastle. A reunion with Milan is a possibility and would be helped by the record-breaking sale of Leao.

Although the 26-year-old hasn’t hinted he is unhappy at the San Siro, the chance to test himself in the English Premier League is an opportunity that can’t be lightly ignored.

And there’s no better place to do that than under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta and his Gunners charges. The Londoners are one of the most exciting teams in the world and Leao would help them in their quest for European glory.

Who Could AC Milan Sign To Replace Leao?

Unsurprisingly, replacing Rafael Leao will be easier said than done. The AC Milan maestro – alongside Christian Pulisic – are easily the Rossoneri’s finest players head coach Max Allegri has at his disposal.

Allegri has Pulisic’s contract extension to navigate first as the USMNT star demands a higher wage. Simultaneously, the Milan boss will be shortlisting potential Leao replacements.

Hellas Verona star Giovane is a consideration but plays predominantly as a striker or right-winger. Leao plays on the opposite flank but the Brazilian’s versatility could see him operate on that side.

Rodrygo is a feasible option as his time at Real Madrid appears to be coming to an end. However, competition for his signature is set to be fierce.

Interestingly, Gabriel Martinelli could trade places with Leao. Arsenal may even use him as bait to help lure the Portuguese star to the Emirates Stadium.