Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen on signing AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who has been likened to Gunners legend Thierry Henry by his manager.
The 22-year-old has been in Milan since 2019 after signing from Lille for a reported £26.55m fee.
He has played 100 times for the Rossoneri, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists.
Leao has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs in recent months, including Newcastle United, Wolves, Everton and Arsenal.
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The Gunners did not bring in anyone during the winter transfer window, despite their lack of first-team options in up top.
They targeted Dusan Vlahovic, but he ended up signing for Juventus from their Serie A rivals Fiorentina.
And now Italian outlet La Repubblica (via the Daily Mail) claim that Arsenal have turned their attention to Leao, with Arteta ‘desperate’ to sign the Milan forward.
Rafael Leão for AC Milan this season:
26 games
9 goals
5 assists
2 penalties won
He's also the best dribbler in Serie A (56 successful dribbles, 64% dribble success). Pure difference-maker. pic.twitter.com/KUAWlabGoW
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) February 9, 2022
The Portugal international has been likened to Gunners legend Henry by his manager Stefano Pioli, which is the highest praise a player can receive in the eyes of the Arsenal fanbase.
“He reminds me so much of (Thierry) Henry,” the AC Milan boss said of Leao.
“I think he has to convince himself and work hard on his head to try to be ambitious. One with his means must think of reaching the top of the world, but talent isn’t enough. He has understood that he has to work in a certain way.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Ian Wright was “vexed” by Ruben Neves’ comments on the Gunners’ celebrations after their recent win over Wolves.
Gabriel’s first-half goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory at Molineux on February 10 after surviving for the last 21 minutes with ten men.
Wolves midfielder Neves was not happy with the way Arsenal celebrated at the end of the win.
“We saw the way they celebrated the win and that shows the level we are. I didn’t see Arsenal celebrating like this in the past 10 years – it was like they won the league.”
Wright thought it was a superb win for Arsenal and the former England international was annoyed that Neves chose to speak out after the match.
Speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast, the former Arsenal striker said: “I was vexed with Neves, coming out and saying ‘look at how Arsenal are celebrating’.
“What’s wrong with you?”
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