Director breaks silence on future of "very important" Arsenal transfer target | OneFootball

AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has spoken out on the future of star player Rafael Leao amid recent Arsenal transfer rumours.

Leao has been a key player for Milan down the years, and there’s often been speculation that top Premier League clubs could try to sign him.

That hasn’t happened so far, but a recent report from Football Transfers stated that Arsenal were in initial discussions over a potential €80m deal this summer.

See below as Fabrizio Romano has quoted Milan chief Tare as appearing to hint at being keen to keep Leao this summer, pointing to the two years he has left on his contract at the San Siro…

Arsenal would surely benefit from bringing in something a bit different up front, with Leao’s skill and flair making him an ideal upgrade on inconsistent performers like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Rafael Leao transfer could be a great option for Arsenal

Leao has nine goals and two assists in Serie A this season, despite being limited to only 18 starts so far after a few injury problems.

The Portugal international is clearly more of a goal threat than someone like Martinelli, though his stats below paint an interesting picture in terms of how he compares to Martinelli and Trossard…

Leao vs Martinelli and Trossard (DataMB)

Overall, there are perhaps signs there that Arsenal could do better than Leao, even if he is an option worth considering.

It may also be that the 26-year-old would improve with better players around him, and with a manager like Mikel Arteta to take him to the next level.