How Chelsea signing Rafael Leao could impact Arsenal
Karan Tejwani
- 1 Sept 2022 09:40 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal are bracing for bids for star winger Gabriel Martinelli as a result of Chelsea’s transfer activity, which could leave them with a scramble on the final day of the transfer window.
Chelsea have been looking to improve their attacking line and, as a result, are looking at a mega move for Milan forward Rafael Leao, with a big fee rumoured for the Portuguese player.
Leao has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge but no clear offer has been made for him yet, however, according to some reports, there may be a chance on deadline day.
If Milan to sell Leao to Chelsea, they have a replacement lined up and it comes in the form of Arsenal winger Martinelli, who also won’t be a cheap buy.
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It has been claimed that Thomas Tuchel’s side have been in talks with the Italian champions, with the manager keen to improve his attack in this transfer window.
The Blues have lost Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner this summer, and have only signed Raheem Sterling, and are struggling to score goals at the start of the campaign.
This has led them to turn to Leao, who had a strong end to last season, spurring his Milan side on to the title and also has an important role to play in this campaign.
This team mentality is everything ❤️ On to the next one @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/S9Rjb6Mj44
— Gabriel Martinelli (@gabimartinelli) August 31, 2022
As a result, Calciomercato say Arsenal winger Martinelli is Milan’s first choice to replace Leao and they think they can snatch the 21-year-old from North London.
They expect the Brazilian winger to cost about €50 million, but Arsenal aren’t keen on the idea of selling one of their starting players this late in the transfer window.
Martinelli has had a positive start to the season having scored three goals so far and contributing heavily to the team’s firing attacking, pairing well with countryman Gabriel Jesus.
How this saga plans out would be interesting to see as it involves three clubs and two high-profile transfers could be completed for big fees.
