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Analysis
- 4 hours ago
Arsenal WORRY as priority target made 'untouchable'
Tom Weber
- Updated: 31 May 2025 13:14 BST
- 4 min read
News
AC Milan have made Arsenal target Rafael Leao 'untouchable,' according to Italian media.
The Gunners' work in the transfer market is in full swing, with sporting director Andrea Berta already busy holding talks with several players. Arsenal are currently negotiating a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, while they are also exploring a move for Parma youngster Giovanni Leoni, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers.
The striker position is one of utmost importance for the North London giants this summer, but their interest in Leoni also illustrates that they are in the market for a centre-back. That's not all, however. Another top priority is to strengthen out wide.
Current ETV
Rafael Leão
F, M (L)
Milan
Rafael Leão
F, M (L)
Milan
ETV Range
€67.5M - €82.5M
Indeed, Arsenal are desperate to bolster their options on the wings, and there have been talks with several big-name players. Nico Williams has been a popular target for some time now, but there are doubts over his willingness to leave his boyhood side Athletic Club.
Recently, it was revealed that Arsenal have also made contact with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao to sound out a move, but it seems that this potential pursuit has already hit an impasse.
Leao not for sale
Leao is coming off a disappointing season both on a personal and on a club level. The Rossoneri missed out on European football, while their star winger failed to consistently perform and found himself relegated to the bench on numerous occasions.
This has given rise to rumours that he could leave the club this summer as Milan will have to raise funds to make up for the lost UEFA revenue, but Gazzetta dello Sport is now claiming that the opposite is the case.
It is claimed that Milan have made it clear that Leao is 'untouchable' and not for sale this summer, with new head coach Max Allegri keen to help the Portugal international to get back to his best.
Allegri reportedly believes that Leao is one of a select few of current Milan players who can be real difference-makers in Serie A, and he is therefore intent on keeping him and building his side around him.
Leao has a €175 million release clause, but Milan are confident that no European suitors will even consider paying that much for the 25-year-old after the season he had. That said, Leao is known to have admirers in Saudi Arabia, too.
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