Rafael Leao has posted a cryptic message on social media. The 25-year-old winger has been linked with a move away from the San Siro this summer after AC Milan failed to qualify for either of UEFA’s three club competitions.
Leao, whose contract expires in June 2028, featured 34 times in the Serie A this season, scoring eight goals while providing 10 assists. Despite his best efforts, the Rossoneri missed out on European football, finishing eighth place with 63 points.
Milan may have had a bitterly disappointing campaign, but the Portugal star still managed to attract interest from some top teams. According to French outlet Footmercato, Andrea Berta contacted Leao last month to inform him of ‘definite interest’ from the Emirates Stadium.
The report reckons that Arsenal’s sporting director spoke to the Milan star on the phone. It’s said that Leao, who would likely replace Gabriel Martinelli in Mikel Arteta’s line-up, is on the Gunners’ shortlist, but he’s not their ‘top priority’ at the moment.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are weighing up a deal for the Portuguese ace, according to Florian Plettenberg. The Sky Sports Germany journalist claims that the Bundesliga champions are monitoring his situation ‘closely’.
It’s said that Leao’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and Max Eberl, the Bayern director, have a good relationship, and there has been preliminary contact. As things stand, it remains to be seen whether or not the Milan star will depart this summer, but he’s recently posted a cryptic message on social media.
“Life’s hard. Gotta fight like John Wick,” wrote Leao on Instagram. Declan Rice was one of nearly 180,000 users to like the forward’s post.
Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in January 2025, Leao committed his future to Milan. The Rossoneri forward said: “I was already a fan when I joined, as many of my favourite players spent time here.
“I wished to stay for years. Now, I have to thank those who brought me here and helped me grow.
“I’m fine here – for the present and hopefully for the future.”
In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, in March 2024, Leao explained why he wants to stay loyal. Leao said: “My future is at Milan. I’m here and I still have a four-year contract.
“Milan helped me when I was in a difficult situation, they were close to me. I don’t forget, I’m loyal. I arrived as a boy, here I grew up as a man and as a footballer. I want to win again, my head is here.”
He added: “Now it’s my home. I like everything: shopping, fashion, even the climate, because it feels like being in Portugal. If you think Milan is cold, try spending a winter in Lille. And then the food! I like everything about Italian cuisine; pasta, risotto, fish.”
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