Rafael Leao has addressed recent transfer speculation linking him with Manchester United and Arsenal, with the AC Milan forward confirming he’s willing to move to the Premier League
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao has opened up about his desire to test himself in the Premier League, with speculation mounting over a possible transfer to Arsenal. The Gunners are reportedly monitoring the Portuguese winger as they look ahead to the upcoming campaign and have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign him.
Arsenal are bracing themselves for what could be a hectic summer in the transfer market, particularly after their Premier League title triumph and the prospect of multiple fresh faces arriving at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are yet to make their first signing of the summer but have already been linked with a host of potential new additions to their squad, particularly in the forward line with either a new centre forward and a winger.
Leao’s situation at Milan has been a topic of ongoing discussion, and the attacker has now publicly acknowledged his willingness to make the switch to English football.
“I need a new challenge. I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while,” Leao told Portuguese news outlet Sport TV.
“The league is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga would make more of my talent, as a player.”
He added: “If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy. I think that I can put my talent up against the players there, who are of a very high level. Playing in that kind of a league really gets the best out of a player.”
Arsenal are not the only club to have been linked with a move for Leao, with Manchester United and Galatasaray also mentioned as potential destinations in recent weeks.
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Earlier summer reports have suggested that Milan have reduced their valuation of Leao, with indications that the Italian giants would be prepared to accept £43million for the forward this summer.
Leao found the net 10 times for Milan across 31 appearances last season, including nine strikes in Serie A, as the club secured fifth place in the Italian top flight, just missing out on Champions League qualification.
Arsenal’s business in the forward department remains uncertain, with a host of names already being mentioned as potential targets.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez have all be mentioned as targets for the Gunners this summer.
