Big-money target Rafael Leao wants to move to the Premier League

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 30 Oct 2025 06:01 CDT
  • 4 min read
Rafael Leao, Milan, 2024/25
© IMAGO

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is reportedly “very keen” to complete a move to the Premier League following years of interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Article continues under the video

The Portugal international has been linked with several English top flight clubs since his move to Milan in 2019 and he is now ready for a new challenge after spending the last six years at San Siro.

Current ETV
Player image Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão

F, M (L)

Milan logo

Milan

Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão

F, M (L)

Milan

Milan

€68.8M

ETV Range

€62M - €75.7M

However, Leao’s current contract at Milan, which is due to expire in 2028, includes a €150 million release clause, and the Serie A giants aren’t prepared to sanction a sale unless they receive a “premium” transfer offer.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who have reported that Leao wants to test himself in the Premier League. The 26-year-old remains happy at Milan, however he is ready to discuss a move to England next summer if an interested party initiates formal talks.

Milan are determined to retain their star attacker as they look to mount a challenge for the Serie A title, but they will likely be forced to consider a sale if they receive a suitable bid.

Arsenal hold long-term interest in the Portugal star, while Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been touted as possible destinations for Leao in 2026.

STATS
Player image Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão

F, M (L)

Milan logo

Milan

Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão

F, M (L)

Milan

Milan

Serie A

2025/26

  • 5

    Games

  • 3

    Goals

  • 0

    Assists

Rafael Leao, AC Milan
© IMAGO - Rafael Leao, AC Milan

Rafael Leao to Arsenal?

While Arsenal may not be able to fund a move for Leao following their spending spree this summer, it has been reported that Mikel Arteta’s side will target a new left winger next year.

The Gunners currently possess the likes of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke as options on the left flank, however they are eager to sign a new alternative in 2026.

Compared
Player image Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão

F, M (L)

Milan logo

Milan

Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão

F, M (L)

Milan

Milan

VS

Player image Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo

M (RL)

B

B'mouth

Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo

M (RL)

B

B'mouth

€68.8M

ETV

€45.3M

€62M - €75.7M ETV Range €40.8M - €49.8M
26 years old (10 Jun, 1999) Age 25 years old (07 Jan, 2000)
Portugal Portugal
Nationality
Ghana Ghana

Nico Williams, Rodrygo, Raphinha and Antoine Semenyo are all on Arteta’s radar, as per Arsenal Insider, while Leao has now emerged as a potential option amid his desire to explore the possibility of moving to the Premier League.

The Portugal star has scored four goals in six games so far this season and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €68.8m.

Transfer Values Explanation

Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) explained

Our Player Valuation Model calculates an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) for more than 240.000 players in the world.

Read more here.

Our Player Valuation Model calculates an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) for more than 240.000 players in the world. It uses information on the player's skill, potential, performance, contract duration, position and other statistics to estimate an accurate ETV.

Read more here.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

App Store