Rafael Leao: Arsenal stance emerges in race for Man United target | OneFootball

Manchester United are looking to add more firepower to their attack, despite investing a small fortune in the frontline before the start of this season. Scarred by a disappointing 2024/25 season in which they managed just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games, the Red Devils were ruthless in their revamp operations over the summer.

The English giants cleared the deadwood, sending Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho out on loan, while Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were offloaded permanently. United replenished their attack with Premier League pedigree, signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford, respectively.

The No. 9 position was a concern as well, and this was addressed by securing the services of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The trio cost upwards of £200 million, but that has not stopped the Premier League giants from pursuing further reinforcements.

United reportedly desire a new fast and skilful left forward, and a previous report relayed by The Peoples Person has stated that they have their eyes on AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao.

Leao’s rise at AC Milan

Leao is a product of the fabled Sporting academy, and broke into the first team in 2017. He moved to Lille the following year, before AC Milan took him to Serie A in 2019. Since then, the Portuguese has grown in leaps and bounds and is now a first-team regular for the Rossoneri.

A skilful winger with pace to burn, Leao also knows his way to goal. While he has operated mostly on the No. 9 position this season, he prefers to occupy the left-forward position, which makes him an enticing prospect for United. This season, the 26 year old has registered nine goals and two assists in 20 appearances in all competitions, 16 of which were starts.

Rafael Leao Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

United have had their eyes on the Portuguese for a while, and were also linked with him last year. The Premier League giants are yet to sign a replacement for Rashford, whose time at the Theatre of Dreams is all but over.

Leao has the ability to fill the Englishman’s shoes, but it now appears that the Red Devils are lagging behind in the race for his services.

Arsenal in the driver’s seat

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are leading the race for Leao’s signature. The report states: “Arsenal have held initial talks with Rafael Leao’s representatives as they eye a potential summer move for the AC Milan superstar, FootballTransfers understands.”

“Sources have informed us that Milan are now prepared to sell Leao for a fee in the region of €75-80 million and he has been earmarked as Arsenal’s primary attacking target for the upcoming summer window.”

“We understand that Manchester United are also strongly interested in the 26-year-old, although Arsenal are the frontrunners to secure his signature as things stand.”

The report states that Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has already established contact with the player’s entourage, adding: “Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has already held face-to-face talks with Leao’s representatives and although the Portugal international is yet to discuss a potential Arsenal switch, he has informed his camp to engage in negotiations over a summer deal.”

Final Thoughts

United lack a player of Leao’s ilk, especially on the left flank, so their pursuit of the Portuguese makes sense. It is unclear, though, if he will fit into their budget this summer, given that the Red Devils are expected to invest heavily in midfield.

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