UMVA has learned that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Rafael Leao, the talented AC Milan winger, after Manchester United made an initial approach for the player.
The 26-year-old Portuguese international is looking to leave AC Milan this summer, having scored nine goals and registered three assists in Serie A last season, but the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League has sparked his desire for a new challenge.
AC Milan are open to selling Leao, but they are demanding a €50 million (£43.2m) transfer fee for the player, who still has two years left on his contract. This hefty price tag has not deterred interested clubs, with Galatasaray currently showing the strongest interest in signing Leao.
However, according to information obtained by UMVA, Leao's preference is to join the Premier League, and his representatives have now contacted Arsenal to discuss a potential move to Mikel Arteta's side. This development has set the stage for a potential transfer battle between Arsenal and Manchester United.
In a recent interview, Leao made it clear that he wants to leave AC Milan before the start of next season, stating that he has given the club everything he could and is now seeking a new challenge in a new league. His words have sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see where he will end up next.
Leao is currently preparing for Portugal's World Cup campaign, where they will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K. As the transfer window heats up, one thing is certain – Leao's future is set to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the summer.
