Rafael Leao’s declaration of admiration for Mikel Arteta’s team has given Arsenal an advantage in their pursuit of him from AC Milan.
After negotiations for a contract extension at AC Milan broke down, The Gunners are one of the teams keeping an eye on the 23-year-old.
Leao, whose current contract at the San Siro expires in just 18 months, kept the door open for a move to the Premier League despite pledging his future to the Italian powerhouses.
Fabrizio Romano claims that when questioned about joining a new league, he responded, “Yes, in the future,” to radio station RDP Africa. but for now I’m completely focused on AC Milan because I have a contract there and they are a big team.
Leao said: “I watch numerous games.” Arsenal and Chelsea have been mentioned in connection with him. I like Arsenal this season because of how well they’re performing.
Leao has stated that once he returns from the World Cup, he would discuss his “contract position” with AC Milan.
With 34 goals in 135 appearances for the Italian giants since coming from Lille in 2018, Leao has established himself as one of AC Milan’s most crucial players.
Although the attacker has an AC Milan deal through 2024, other teams are reportedly interested in his services.
Leao spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport on his future in Italy: “I will speak to AC Milan [again] about my contract status once the World Cup is complete.”
Before the World Cup, “We had an excellent discussion with [technical director] Paolo Maldini; we’ll get into details after the break.”
While the sporting director of AC Milan, Frederic Massara, earlier stated that the club was confident in reaching a deal with Rafael Leao to extend his contract.
“We [AC Milan] will attempt to find a solution to proceed with Rafa for a long period,” Massara continued.
