Arsenal considering €80m swoop for standout Serie A star

Soccer Football – Serie A – AC Milan v Pisa SC – San Siro, Milan, Italy – October 24, 2025 AC Milan's Rafael Leao celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

Arsenal is considering a swoop for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. Despite investing heavily in attacking reinforcements this summer, Mikel Arteta’s side are reportedly on the market for another marquee forward in January to push the club over the line in their search for trophies.

Arsenal finished as runner’s up for three consecutive Premier League seasons, and last season were eliminated in the semi finals of the Champions League by eventual winners PSG.

They currently sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League, and level at the top of the Champions League table. Spanish publication Fichajes has reported that the Gunners are plotting a big January window to help keep them there.

Leao has been in fine form to start the season, scoring five goals and providing an assist in eight games for AC Milan. Though the player signed a contract extension in June that ties him to the club until 2028, Milan are reportedly open to sanctioning a sale.

His contract includes a €175m release clause, but Milan are believed to open to negotiate for a figure in the €80-€85m range.

Though Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokores, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke this summer, question marks remain over the left wing position. Gabriel Martinelli has suffered from a dip in form, and while Leandro Trossard has performed well to start the season he is not seen as a long term solution.

New man Eze can also deputize on the left, but his best position is through the middle of the park in the No.10 or false 9 position. Arsenal were linked with Real Madrid winger Rodrgyo for parts of the summer as well as Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, giving credence to the notion that Arteta is indeed in the market for a left sided attacker.

Fichajes adds that Arsenal might be open to selling Gabriel Martinelli to make room for the arrival of Leao.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.