Milan star on Arsenal radar after Champions League miss

Yahoo

26-05-2025

Arsenal hold talks with AC Milan over Leao transfer as price drops amid competition
Leao discussions accelerate as Arsenal explore attacking reinforcements
There is a point in every club's evolution where pragmatism meets ambition. For Arsenal, that crossroads has arrived once again. With another promising season fizzling into silverless frustration, the Gunners are moving decisively in the market. And among the names under serious consideration, few possess the allure or explosiveness of Rafael Leao.
Photo IMAGO
As reported by TeamTalk, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already held talks with the AC Milan winger, who is now available for significantly less than in previous windows. Leao, long courted by top European clubs, had once carried a €100 million valuation. That has now dropped to €80 million (£67 million), with Milan facing the financial consequences of a likely Champions League absence next season.
Photo IMAGO
Arsenal seek value and dynamism in wide areas
Leao's potential addition is reflective of a wider shift in Arsenal's thinking. This is not simply a marquee name to appease fans, but an opportunity to solve a long-standing problem. The wide forward options — once a strength — now appear stretched, lacking both depth and genuine goal threat when key names are sidelined.
Advertisement
Mikel Arteta's attacking line faltered at key moments this season. Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz exposed the absence of a reliable creative spark from wide positions. Leao, still only 25, fits a profile Arsenal have sought: fast, technically gifted, physically imposing, and able to operate across the frontline. His 1v1 ability alone offers a dimension few in the current squad can consistently replicate.
Photo: IMAGO
Price drop driven by Champions League failure
Milan's reduced valuation stems less from a dip in form and more from their underwhelming league campaign. With Serie A revenue streams tied closely to European qualification, missing out on the Champions League has forced the club to reassess its summer stance. A major sale now looks inevitable, and Leao, despite being a fan favourite, could be sacrificed to balance the books.
Advertisement
Chelsea remain interested in the player, and competition from the Premier League is expected. But Arsenal appear to have moved quickest, initiating direct talks and positioning themselves as serious contenders should Milan commit to a sale.
Rodrygo wage demands block Arsenal interest
Elsewhere, Arsenal have also explored a move for Real Madrid's Rodrygo, though this pursuit now appears less likely. As Florian Plettenberg reported on X:
'A move involving Rodrygo and Arsenal is proving to be very complicated… the biggest issue is his wage demands, reportedly around €10 million net per year. Arsenal are not prepared to go that far.'
This aligns with the club's broader financial framework. Under Edu and Arteta, Arsenal have targeted financially viable options, avoiding wage structures that could destabilise the dressing room.
Sesko pursuit continues in parallel
Parallel to their winger search, Arsenal's work to secure a striker continues. Negotiations with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko are ongoing, with Plettenberg adding:
'Arsenal are now in concrete talks with RB Leipzig regarding Benjamin Sesko… Arteta is a big admirer of the 21 y/o forward from RB Leipzig. His release clause for the summer stands at €80 million. Deal on.'
Advertisement
Sesko, Leao and other names such as Viktor Gyökeres form part of a summer overhaul designed to take Arsenal from contenders to champions. The challenge now lies in executing a coherent strategy that avoids the scattergun approach of windows past.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
If you're an Arsenal fan, this is exactly the kind of news you want to wake up to. Rafael Leao is more than just a flashy name — he's the kind of forward who changes the way you play. He'd bring goals, flair, and the kind of direct threat you've lacked, especially when the front three have gone missing in the big moments.
Yes, £67 million is still a lot, but considering his valuation was once north of £80m, and Milan's financial pressure, this feels like the perfect time to strike. His age is ideal, his Champions League pedigree is proven, and you sense he's ready for the Premier League stage.
Advertisement
It's also refreshing to see the club act quickly. The Berta talks suggest Arsenal are not just browsing — they're negotiating. We've seen too many windows lost to indecision. If Leao is the target, and Rodrygo proves too costly, then Arsenal need to move with purpose.
Add Sesko into the mix, and suddenly this looks like a club ready to close the gap. Arsenal have a core in place. Now it's about fine-tuning. Leao would be a huge part of that next step.