Arsenal in Bayern Munich battle for €175m superstar

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 24 May 2025 17:03 BST
  • 4 min read
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
© IMAGO

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are vying for the signature of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, according to reports.

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The Portugal international is set to become one of the protagonists of the upcoming summer transfer window following Milan's failure to qualify for any European competition.

Current ETV
Player image Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão

F, M (L)

Milan logo

Milan

Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão

F, M (L)

Milan

Milan

€75M

ETV Range

€67.5M - €82.5M

The Rossoneri will miss out on a hugely important revenue stream next term and are expected to be forced into some potentially very painful sales before the new season kicks off.

Leao, despite a disappointing personal campaign, remains Milan's most valuable asset. Speculation over his future has been rampant in recent months, although it eventually seemed as though he would definitely stay in Italy beyond the current campaign.

However, over the past 24 hours, the situation appears to have changed completely, with two big-name clubs now exploring a summer move for the 25-year-old.

Arsenal, Bayern want Leao

On Friday, Sky Germany began reporting that Bayern Munich have started scouring the market for potential alternatives to Florian Wirtz, who looks set to join Liverpool in what will likely be the biggest deal of the summer.

Rather than trying to sign an attacking midfielder, Bayern have decided to pursue wingers instead. Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma and Leao are two names with whom talks have already taken place.

Rafael Leao
© IMAGO - Rafael Leao

Now, Foot Mercato claims that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta also recently had a conversation with Leao, although he can't yet be considered the Gunners' top target.

Arsenal have also held talks with Athletic Club hero Nico Williams and, more recently, Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo. However, Arsenal apparently have some concerns about signing the latter as he is demanding a €10 million-per-season net salary, which would make him the Gunners' top earner.

Leao certainly won't come cheap either, but he may be more attainable given Milan's predicament. Indeed, one thing is for certain: the Rossoneri won't insist on suitors triggering his inflated €175m release clause.

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