Arsenal can afford to sign 25yo Portuguese star as £84.6m valuation emerges - report
Arsenal have the financial capacity to sign one of Serie A’s leading wingers this summer, according to Sport Italia.
The Gunners are planning for a busy transfer window. The focus could primarily be on bolstering the attack.
The club have already been linked with Nico Williams and Leroy Sane, but Sport Italia claim that Rafael Leao could be targeted.
It is mentioned that Leao is ‘highly regarded’ by Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta.
The London giants are ‘not at all frightened’ by the valuation for the left-sided winger.
The Rossoneri are likely to hold out for at least three figures, meaning the price tag could be €100 million (£84.6m) or slightly more.
Leao would not suit Arsenal’s playing style
The 25-year-old had a slow start to the campaign with the Rossoneri, but his form has picked up since the turn of the year.
He has accumulated 12 goals and 13 assists from 48 appearances. Leao may want a new challenge with Milan likely to miss out on Champions League football.
Arsenal have been credited with an interest, but a deal may not materialise as he does not suit the playing style and tactical demands of manager Mikel Arteta.
Leao has completed almost two dribbles per league game with 50 percent of his duels won. However, his defensive contributions have been a concern for some time.
The Portuguese star is not known for tracking back and barely makes tackles, interceptions or clearances.
Arteta demands a good defensive work rate from his wide players. This is one of the main reasons why Gabriel Martinelli has got the regular nod for the left wing role.
In our view, Leao’s limited defensive awareness could be a deal-breaker. Arsenal are also unlikely to make a huge outlay of £84.6m on a wide attacking player this summer.
The Gunners could easily purchase Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams for his £50m release clause, provided they are willing to meet the Spaniard’s high weekly wage demands.
Williams is almost three years younger than Leao. The Euro 2024 winner is multi-dimensional. He can play on either wing unlike Leao, who has just three career appearances from the right flank.
Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. We believe the club should sign one of those two rather than purchasing Leao from the Rossoneri.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com
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