Arsenal have reportedly been offered the chance to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, with the Portugal international having confirmed he intends to leave the club this summer.
The 26-year-old winger is said to be available for around £43million after Milan finished the season having to settle for Europa League football.
Leao has repeatedly been linked with a move to English football, with Chelsea mentioned prominently, while Manchester United have also been connected to the forward at various points.
According to the Times, Arsenal have now been offered the chance to sign Leao, with the Gunners widely expected to strengthen their attacking options during the transfer window.
The Portugal international has accumulated an impressive record of 80 goals and 65 assists across 227 league games in the Italian top-flight during his time in Serie A.
Speaking to Sport TV Portugal, Leao made his intentions clear, saying: “I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want new chapter.”
He continued: “I feel ready to play in another league. I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge.”
Leao was deployed predominantly as a centre-forward for Milan this season, with just three of his 29 league appearances coming from the left, despite that being the position where he has produced his best form, scoring 61 times and contributing 56 assists in 208 appearances.
A move to Turkey had also been discussed, with both Fenerbahce and Galatasaray linked, however Fenerbahce’s presidential candidate Safi revealed after a meeting with Leao that the forward would not be joining the Turkish club.
Safi addressed the situation directly in a press conference, stating: “I met Leao a few days ago, but after 10 minutes of chatting, I realised he won’t be our hitman.”
Safi added: “How did I realise that? Because we asked, we looked into it.”
Arsenal are Premier League champions and manager Arteta is said to have earmarked a left winger, striker, right-back, and a new midfielder as priority positions to address during the summer rebuild.
The Gunners are expected to make attacking reinforcements a central focus as part of a broader squad overhaul following their Champions League final defeat this season.
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