Arsenal have opened talks with AC Milan over a possible summer move for Rafael Leao, with the north London side seen as the frontrunners to sign the Portugal winger ahead of next season.
Reports indicate that Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has already made direct contact with Leao’s representatives after the club identified him as their main attacking target for the upcoming window.
With the right offer, Arsenal wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are seen as players who could be moved on, while Leão fits into Mikel Arteta’s plan to strengthen the club’s left side of the final third.
The Portugal international has spent six and a half years at the San Siro since joining Milan from Lille in 2019. In that spell, he has scored 79 goals and registered 64 assists in 280 appearances across all competitions.
He was part of the side that won the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana and was once seen as untouchable by the club hierarchy.
However, that has changed under head coach Massimiliano Allegri this season. The 26-year-old has recently been inconsistent and the club are now open to a sale if their valuation is met.
His contract runs until June 2028 and includes a release clause set at €150 million, but sources close to the situation suggest Milan would listen to offers well below that figure.
A fee between €75 and €80 million is believed to be enough to start serious negotiations.
