Arsenal may be forced to accelerate their winger plans after rivals Tottenham Hotspur launched a €100 million bid for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao. The Gunners have long admired the Portuguese international, but have prioritised Eberechi Eze in recent weeks while monitoring Leao’s situation quietly.
Tottenham’s formal approach for the 26-year-old adds new urgency for Arsenal’s recruitment team, who remain in the market for one more high-impact attacker following the signing of Viktor Gyokeres. With Liverpool pushing for Alexander Isak and Chelsea completing the signing of Jorrel Hato, Arsenal are aware of the statement a Leao deal would send across the Premier League.
Arsenal’s left-wing priority faces rival threat
Arsenal’s long-term interest in Rafael Leao is no secret. Mikel Arteta has repeatedly stressed the need for direct, line-breaking players on the left flank, particularly ones capable of operating in tight spaces and stretching deep blocks. Leao fits that profile. So does Eze, though the Crystal Palace man is viewed as more of a hybrid option who could also feature centrally.
The club’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements comes amid growing pressure to match Liverpool’s aggressive strategy in the market. Arsenal fans have been vocal in demanding both Eze and Leao be signed, particularly after Gabriel Martinelli’s recent form and Leandro Trossard’s uncertain future.
Tottenham’s interest could reshape the market
If Spurs succeed in convincing AC Milan and Leao, Arsenal risk losing out on a long-standing target to their fiercest local rivals. The Gunners previously missed out on Jorrel Hato to Chelsea due to timing issues and are determined not to repeat the same mistake in attack.
Leao recorded 25 goal contributions last season and remains under long-term contract at Milan, meaning Arsenal would likely need to sanction a nine-figure move to compete. That would require at least one major outgoing, possibly Gabriel Jesus, who has drawn interest from Newcastle United.
Internal debate over Rodrygo versus Leao continues
Internally, Arsenal have also weighed a move for Rodrygo Goes. However, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recently suggested, Leao may be the better fit stylistically. The AC Milan winger is a natural touchline operator, which aligns more closely with Arteta’s system than Rodrygo’s central tendencies.
New sporting director Andrea Berta now faces a decisive period in the window. With the fanbase demanding ambition and rivals making high-profile moves, Arsenal’s next step will carry weight beyond just squad depth, it will define their competitive intent.
What comes next for Arsenal?
As Tottenham prepare a formal bid, all eyes at London Colney will be on Leao’s response and AC Milan’s stance. If Arsenal view the Portuguese international as a foundational piece, they must act now or risk watching another elite-level talent land across the divide.
