AC Milan’s winger Rafael Leao has admitted he likes Arsenal and would like to play in the Premier League but he is unlikely to move in the January window.

Portugal's forward #15 Rafael Leao reacts during the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final football match between Morocco and Portugal at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on December 10, 2022. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
Portugal’s forward #15 Rafael Leao reacts during the Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final football match between Morocco and Portugal at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on December 10, 2022. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal want a left-winger in the January window, a move that has been made even more urgent by the injury to Gabriel Jesus.

The club have been linked with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao for the best part of the last year, although their initial reported interest might have been just rumours from Leao’s agent as he negotiated a new deal with the Italians.

That might also be the case here, too.

When the rumours first emerged, Leao was valued at around €45m, a price that has rocketed to €85m. Yet, no new deal has been agreed with Milan.

His contract expires in 2024.

The player, however, seems in no hurry to leave Milan and said during the World Cup he would speak to them after the tournament to sort out his contract situation.

https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1597896508304592896

Speaking to RDPAfrica, Leao also said, “Experience in a new league? Yes, in the future… but now I’m 100% focused on AC Milan — it’s a top club and I’m under contract there. I like the city too.

“I watch many games. This year, I like Arsenal — they’re playing very well.”

In 31 games across domestic and international competitions, Leao has nine goals and 10 assists this season.

Since signing for AC Milan from Lille for just under €30m in 2019, the 23-year-old has scored 34, with 30 assists, in 135 games.

To compare, Nicolas Pepe played 112 times for Arsenal, scoring 27 and assisting 21.