Arsenal have reportedly set the wheels in motion in an effort to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
Despite sitting in second position in the Premier League table, the Gunners have endured a relatively mixed start to the 2024-25 campaign.
Prior to scoring 13 times against Nottingham Forest, Sporting Lisbon and West Ham United, Mikel Arteta's side had shown an inconsistent streak in front of goal.
Bukayo Saka's 10 assists is one of the standout statistics of the current top-flight campaign, yet no player in the Arsenal squad has scored more than five goals in the division.
As such, it is speculated on a weekly basis that Arteta could soon be in the market for a traditional number nine, Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson the latest to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Nevertheless, it appears that the Spaniard is open to adding yet another winger and versatile attacker to his frontline in 2025.
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Arsenal take interest in Leao?
According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal have made contact with the representatives of Leao in recent weeks.
The 25-year-old's stock has arguably dropped this season having not always been selected in the starting lineup by new head coach Paulo Fonseca.
Just four goals and four assists have been contributed during Serie A and Champions League fixtures, creating a scenario where Milan could plausibly consider any suitable offers for the Portugal international.
However, it is claimed that Leao has indicated that he has no interest in departing San Siro at the midway point of the campaign.
Therefore, contact has not progressed past an "informal, preliminary" stage, and is not expected to do so unless there is a change in stance.
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Is Leao the type of player Arsenal need?
Although Kai Havertz has only chipped in with seven goals from 17 appearances this campaign, the Germany international is the standout centre-forward and helps bring other players into the game.
With Bukayo Saka a certain starter when fit, it leaves Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling battling it out for a spot on the left.
Unless Arteta is planning on cashing in on Martinelli or Trossard, committing what would essentially be at least £60m on Leao does not necessarily make sense at this point.
Leao still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his Milan contract.
Darren Plant
