In a recent report, Calciomercato claimed that Newcastle United are locked in a three-way battle for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. It is believed that the Magpies could face competition in the form of Manchester City and Arsenal in pursuit of the Portuguese wide player.
Leao’s Impressive Form At San Siro This Season
Leao is having a productive campaign in Italian football as he has been responsible for performing at a high level on the left side of AC Milan’s attack. The 22-year-old has banged in ten goals and picked up six assists in 27 matches for the Italian outfit this season across all competitions.
The Portuguese wing wizard has given a good account of himself by averaging 2.7 shots, 1.1 key passes and 2.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession in the final third after completing 77.3% of his attempted passes in the Italian first division (stats via whoscored).
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Will Leao Be A Good Choice For Newcastle United?
Leao has got the vision to fashion some decent chances for others around him in the attacking third of the field. He can create a yard of space for himself to test the opposition keeper with a shot at goal and is a great dribbler with the ball at his feet.
The three-time Portugal international has got the potential to become a future star in European football. Leao is primarily a left-sided winger but can also play as a striker down the middle if needed. Hence, he will be a major signing for Newcastle United if they can devise a way to win the race to secure his services at the end of this season.
At 22, Leao’s best years are ahead of him which makes him a decent option for Eddie Howe’s team at St. James’ Park. He has what it takes to help the Magpies challenge for European football in the coming seasons. We can expect him to add a lot of goals and dynamism to Howe’s attack. Hence, he will be a decent fit for the Tyneside giants as long as he can maintain his high standards in English football.
