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Arsenal join race to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao

By on April 14, 2026

Arsenal have joined the race to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leão next summer, according to Ekrem Konur. 

Since completing his move from Lille to AC Milan in 2019, Leão has developed into one of Europe’s most prominent attacking players.

Following two initial campaigns where he failed to hit double figures, he surged into top form during the 2021–22 season, delivering 14 goals and 12 assists as the Rossoneri lifted their 19th Scudetto, with the winger also earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

Although Milan have not consistently replicated that level in the years since, the Portugal international has continued to perform at a high standard, remaining a key figure while contributing to their 2024–25 Supercoppa Italiana success.

At the international level, he remains an important asset for Portugal, playing a decisive role in their UEFA Nations League triumph last year and making strong contributions throughout their World Cup qualification campaign.

With over 260 appearances and 144 goal involvements—including 12 this season—the 26-year-old has built considerable top-level experience, naturally attracting interest from several elite clubs, with Arsenal reportedly monitoring his situation.

Amid Milan’s form this season, in which they currently sit 12 points behind first-placed Inter Milan, Konur reports that Leão could depart San Siro at the end of the season.

Leao to replace Trossard?

One of the clubs now showing interest in the 26-year-old is Arsenal, according to Konur, which reports that the Premier League leaders have indicated interest in a summer swoop for the winger.

However, the Gunners will have to battle clubs in the Saudi Pro League as well as their Premier League rivals, Liverpool, Man City, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, who have all expressed interest in the Portuguese winger, according to the report.

Mikel Arteta has Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and the versatile Noni Madueke as options on his left flank. Yet none currently offer the elite-level impact of Leão, who placed 14th in the most recent Ballon d’Or rankings.

Amid suggestions that Trossard could leave, particularly because he has not scored in his last 19 games, Leão emerges as a strong candidate to fill that void if the Belgian international departs from the Emirates Stadium.

However, a deal won’t be easy, as Milan are likely to demand a fee above his £56m Transfermarkt valuation, especially with two years left on his contract.