The Portuguese winger’s meeting with Milan may set the tone for a turbulent summer, with Arsenal among those ready to move should an exit be sanctioned.
Rafael Leão will hold talks with AC Milan this week that could determine whether his six-year spell at San Siro ends this summer, with Arsenal closely monitoring the situation.
The 25-year-old is expected to explore a move after a season that fell short of expectations, amid growing tension behind the scenes and increasing pressure on Milan to reshape their squad.
Sources in Italy report that Leão’s representatives will meet Milan’s new sporting leadership to discuss next steps, though a contract extension is not believed to be the player’s preference. “The idea is to change the air after six seasons,” one report noted, with Leão understood to be assessing his value in a market that no longer matches Milan’s inflated valuation.
While the Portuguese forward has a release clause of £149 million, there is growing belief that Milan would accept significantly less. That clause is seen as “unrealistic for anyone,” particularly after a season in which Leão frequently found himself on the bench and failed to replicate his form from the 2021–22 campaign, when he was named Serie A’s best player. Still, his ‘poor’ season was still better than most at Arsenal, with 12 goals and 13 assists.
Initial suggestions from Italy linked Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr with lucrative proposals, including salary offers worth up to £21 million a year. However, Leão is said to prefer remaining in Europe at the highest level, with the Premier League emerging as a more desirable destination.
Arsenal, who have been quietly working on attacking reinforcements, are understood to be among the clubs that have made contact over Leão’s availability. Reports elsewhere suggest that the Gunners have already agreed terms with Viktor Gyökeres, with Sporting inclined to accept their proposal. But interest in Leão persists, particularly as Mikel Arteta seeks additional firepower to rotate and compete across multiple fronts next season.
Leão has scored 70 goals in 260 appearances (with 62 assists) for Milan, 55 of those in Serie A. His current deal runs until 2028, making any exit a major decision for a club already facing uncertainty over the futures of Theo Hernández, Mike Maignan and former Gunner, Ismaël Bennacer.
With Milan’s hierarchy reportedly eager to rebuild around Leão, using his profile and commercial appeal to anchor a new project, this week’s meeting will be pivotal. If Leão insists on leaving, Milan could be forced to accept an offer below his clause, particularly with the World Cup in 2026 viewed as a potential reset for his valuation.
Whether that future includes the Emirates remains to be seen, but Arsenal’s name will remain in the conversation until a decision is made.