Rafael Leao to Arsenal transfer latest as Andrea Berta targets £147m Raheem Sterling replacement

Rafael Leao has been mooted as a potential target for Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old winger has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, but a switch has never materialised.

Leao, who sees his contract at the San Siro expire in June 2028, has featured 33 times in the Serie A this season, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists. Despite his best efforts, the Rossoneri are in danger of failing to qualify for European football.

With just two games to go, Milan are eighth in the table and four points from Juventus in fourth. Fortunately for Sergio Conceicao’s side, they have the chance to take points from Roma this weekend, who are sixth on 63 points.

Nevertheless, Leao’s impressive performances haven’t gone under the radar. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Leao and his future at Milan.

Arteta wants to sign a new winger

According to David Ornstein on NBC Sports, Arsenal want to sign a new winger this summer. The journalist claims that Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams are on their radar, but it remains to be seen whether or not they’re keen on Antoine Semenyo and Leao.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling will leave the Emirates Stadium following the expiration of his loan from Chelsea. Ornstein said: “There is a huge amount to do – both in and out – and Arsenal will try to be prudent with their money.

“But this is a massive summer coming up for them, their sporting director Andrea Berta, for Mikel Arteta as manager and of course the owners, the Kroenke family.”

Berta plots ambitious bid for Leao

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Andrea Berta has put Leao at the top of his shortlist of left-wing targets. The report claims that Chelsea and Arsenal have enquired about the forward’s availability, with Milan unlikely to qualify for the UEFA Champions League this season.

Milan unfazed by Premier League interest

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, two Premier League clubs have recently made contact with Leao’s representatives to explore the possibility of a move in the summer. The report claims that Milan are aware of the approach, but they remain confident the winger will stay.

It’s said that the Rossoneri are in ‘no rush’ to renew Leao’s contract, which expires in three years and includes a €175m (£147.3m) release clause. Calciomercato have named Chelsea as one of the two English top-flight teams interested in the Portuguese star, as well as Al-Nassr.

Leao provides an update on his future

Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in January 2025, Leao committed his future to Milan. He 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 the future.”

Leao remains loyal to Milan

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in March 2024, Leao explained why he plans to stay loyal to Milan. The winger 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 very 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.”

Leao 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.”