Arsenal have to be taken seriously if they enter the race for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
However, Jones thinks any deal would be a difficult one due to the finances that are likely to be involved.
Arsenal transfer news – Rafael Leao
Leao is not currently thought to be a target for Arsenal, but the 23-year-old has admitted that he is open to a move to the Premier League and has been impressed with what he has seen from Mikel Arteta’s men this season.
“Yes, in the future. But now I’m 100 per cent focused on Milan,” Leao recently told RDP Africa when asked if he wants to play in England one day. “I’m at a top club and I’m under contract. I also like the city of Milan.”
Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea are one club who are thought to be extremely keen on signing Leao.
According to Calciomercato, the Portuguese attacker is a target for the Blues and could cost €80m (around £70m) minimum.
What has Dean Jones said about Rafael Leao and Arsenal?
Jones doubts Leao is an option for Arsenal at present, especially with the club chasing Mykhailo Mudryk, but he thinks they have to be taken seriously if that does change.
Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: “I can’t see it being an option right now unless Mudryk doesn’t happen. And then even if further down the line they are able to step into the Leao conversation, it’s going to take some doing because of the huge financial investment that is needed.
“But saying that, this is a new Arsenal. This is a team that’s top of the league and a team that we do actually have to take seriously again, a club we have to take seriously again.”
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Should Arsenal make Rafael Leao a target?
Arteta is looking to bring a new attacker to the Emirates next month with Mudryk firmly in his sights. According to multiple outlets, including The Telegraph, Arsenal have already had a £55m bid for the Ukrainian rejected.
Mudryk to Arsenal IMPROVED BID & DEAL CLOSE✍️ Man Utd EMBARRASSED over Joao Felix 😨 (The Football Terrace)
It is believed that Shakhtar Donetsk want as much as £85m for their winger. If that is the case, it is certainly worth considering Leao as an alternative, especially if Milan are asking for less. In fact, a player of Leao’s quality is someone the Gunners should be looking at anyway.
It was on show at the World Cup when he was able to get on the pitch for Portugal, with the Milan star scoring two goals in five games, as per WhoScored. Leao also completed 1.2 dribbles per match, more than teammates Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva.
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.
News Now – Sport News
About Author
