Arsenal Are Not Ready To Pay The Asking Price For 25 Year Old World Class Winger: Is It A Good Decision From The Gunners | OneFootball

Arsenal do not stop planning in silence. Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are working calmly but firmly. The north London club are looking to make a step up in quality after another season in which they came close to the title. They have targeted several positions for reinforcement, and the left flank is among the priorities.

The Emirates’ front office is talking about profiles that can offer balance, goalscoring and experience. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli has had his ups and downs. For that reason, some within the club believe that it would be opportune to look for an improvement in that area of the pitch to raise the level of the starting eleven.

Arsenal Are Not Ready To Pay The Asking Price For Rafael Leão

As revealed by Football Insider, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the situation of Rafael Leão. AC Milan’s Portuguese winger is of interest to both the Londoners and Chelsea. However, his price tag could be a major obstacle to any deal. Leão, 25, is under contract until 2028 and will not leave for less than a significant fee. Milan will not play in European competitions next season, which opens up a possible exit route. Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s new sporting director, has started to move quietly. Leão’s name appears on his list of priorities, although the context is not simple.

ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on during the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

From a sporting point of view, Leão would be an impressive signing. He has a knack of scoring goals, and experience in major competitions. However, the price could skyrocket, and in that scenario Arsenal have historically been cautious. Chelsea have financial muscle, but are going through a period of reconstruction. Their project does not seem entirely clear. That could work in the Gunners’ favour.

Is It A Good Decision From The Gunners?

Still, one has to wonder if signing Leão is the right thing to do. Bukayo Saka dominates one flank, and Martinelli, though inconsistent, has talent. Perhaps bolstering the forward line with a goal-scoring nine or adding a creative midfielder would be more of a priority.

On the other hand, bringing in a player like Leão may increase internal competitiveness and raise the collective level. It may also force Martinelli to react. From a financial point of view, it would be a risky move. But in a market where prices go up every summer, sometimes you have to anticipate. Arsenal have the structure, the coach and the project to convince. If Milan are flexible, and if the player is open to a change, it would not be unreasonable to see him in red in August.