Arsenal Eye Blockbuster Move for AC Milan Star Rafael Leao
Arsenal have shown determination in the summer transfer market, as they strive to transform from Premier League runners-up into champions for the upcoming season.
Their domestic setback in 2024–25 and lack of trophies since 2020 makes 2025–26 a crucial campaign for Mikel Arteta's vision. The Gunners' summer spending spree leaves the Spanish manager with no excuses.
Arteta now possesses a new orchestrator in the middle of the park, reliable backup for William Saliba, a prospect who can offer Bukayo Saka some relief, and crucially, a clinical finisher. Many believe Viktor Gyökeres will be the final puzzle piece.
Nevertheless, Arsenal's pre-season matches in Asia have highlighted the necessity for one last signing to wrap up this transfer window. Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze is allegedly the club's main target, but we're optimists here at Sports Illustrated. The talented Eze represents a secure choice, but the unpredictable brilliance of AC Milan's Rafael Leão could elevate things significantly.
Game-Breaking Talent
Following last season's downturn, which can reasonably be blamed on injuries, there's a feeling that Mikel Arteta must guide this Arsenal squad in a fresh direction.
We're not suggesting a complete tactical revolution here. Fundamentally, Arteta's management has propelled the Gunners to their current standing. They haven't crossed the finish line under the Spaniard's leadership yet, but they're now worlds apart from the mockery their current boss inherited.
Arteta has faced criticism for 'micro-managing' his squad, with Arsenal's performance last season frequently lackluster and monotonous when confronting defensive teams. Such predictability has been evident this summer, so it may require the manager to swallow his pride for Arsenal to make their anticipated breakthrough.
Maybe it's time for Arteta to embrace some uncertainty. Leão, superficially, doesn't fit the typical Arteta mold since he's not particularly industrious when defending. This Gunners team's success has relied on their excellence without possession, but, as mentioned, it might be time for the manager to explore alternative approaches. Rather than acquiring someone who'll definitely contribute to the team dynamic, Arsenal should pursue spontaneous excellence: a star performer.
Leão hasn't achieved stardom yet, but the winger's capacity to become one of the globe's finest is unquestionable. He earned Serie A's MVP award during Milan's championship triumph in 2021–22, but Leão has only been solid, not spectacular since. There have been flashes of his peak ability, but he's a winger who remains inconsistent.
Nevertheless, he's absolutely mesmerizing at full speed and, alongside Gyökeres, would revolutionize Arsenal's counter-attacking play. Leão devours ground like few others, and possesses the acceleration to outpace defenders from a stationary position. Ultimately, he'd make this Arsenal squad considerably more dangerous.
Upgrade Required
Gabriel Martinelli excelled during Arsenal's breakthrough 2022–23 campaign, when they were edged out for the Premier League crown by Manchester City. The Brazilian appeared destined to be a pillar of Arteta's blueprint, but the previous two seasons have been challenging for the winger due to fitness issues and tactical adjustments.
The partnerships formed down Arsenal's left flank quickly deteriorated, and Martinelli has found it difficult to regain his rhythm since. He possesses impressive pace, but he's not someone you can leave isolated wide with the expectation that he'll consistently beat his opponent.
Arteta has frequently favored Leandro Trossard over the last year and a half, and the Belgian has been among the club's shrewdest acquisitions in recent memory. The Belgian has a talent for delivering in crucial moments.
However, the play down Arsenal's left wing last season was disappointing. Injuries played a part, but the club would be gambling by deploying the same players in that area again. Noni Madueke is competent on his 'natural' flank but has been more productive on the right throughout his professional career.
Eze, if acquired, would provide depth in midfield and at this role, but he's not the wide player Arsenal need. Leão, conversely, absolutely is. He's a match-winner who's comfortable being left one-on-one with a defender out wide. However, to enable such a transfer, Arsenal would probably need to sell at least one of Martinelli or Trossard.
Premier League Allure
The Premier League has evolved into a 'Super League' of sorts, and players will especially be drawn to the prospect of residing in London. Arsenal, naturally, can provide that opportunity.
Leão has experienced ups and downs in Milan colors, with former management, notably Paulo Fonseca, having disagreements. It previously appeared almost certain that the winger would at least seriously consider leaving this summer, but Massimiliano Allegri's hiring means there's been minimal speculation from Leão's representatives about a possible exit.
Allegri's style won't excite supporters, but he's still a highly regarded manager who has previously succeeded at Milan. The 26-year-old stated "everything has changed" for the positive at Milan since the new coach's arrival, and the player's contract circumstances mean the Italian club has no incentive to sell if Allegri wants Leão to stay.
It'll require a substantial bid from the Gunners to land the Portuguese game-changer, but there are advantages they can utilize to entice the gifted winger.