In a recent report, Fichajes stated that Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. It has been claimed that the Gunners are showing interest in recruiting the Portugal international next year but could face competition from Man United and Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of him.
Leao’s Impressive Form In Italian Football This Season
Leao has enjoyed a decent campaign at the Milan club as he has produced a string of impressive displays for them in the final third. The Portuguese talent has participated in ten matches for AC Milan this season, scoring one goal and securing four assists in all competitions.
The 25-year-old has been a reliable performer for AC Milan on the left flank and did well to average 3.3 shots, 2.1 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per game in Serie A. He has even been tidy when distributing possession in the opponent’s half based on his pass success rate of 81.6% in the top tier of Italian football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Italian club will expire in the summer of 2028 which could make it tough for the Gunners to secure his services on a cut-price deal next year.
What Will Leao Bring To Arsenal?
Leao has got the pace to get in behind the opponent’s backline at every chance he gets. He is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and has got the vision to create some inviting chances for others around him on the offensive end of the field.
The Portuguese club can even strike the ball with venom from long range. He mainly functions as a left-winger but can also operate as a centre-forward if required. We can expect him to bring a lot of firepower to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s attack.
Leao has what it takes to compete for a regular first-team spot at the North London club in the coming years. At 25, the Portugal international’s best years are ahead of him which makes him a decent option for the Gunners to pursue in 2025. However, it remains to be seen whether Leao can cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League.
