Rafael Leao has admitted that Arsenal are one of his favourite teams this season, leading to increased speculation about his future at AC Milan.
Leao is back with the Rossoneri after giving a good account of himself at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with Portugal and is working with the team to defend their Serie A title. Amidst all of these, he continues to be linked with an exit from the club.
One of the clubs that is reportedly interested in his signature is Arsenal, who are currently short an attacker due to Gabriel Jesus picking up an injury at the World Cup.
Leao’s contract at the Serie A giants is up in 2024 and there are reports from Italy that the Portugal international and the club have not come to an agreement over new terms. His recent statements about Arsenal and English football now suggest that he could be willing to make the switch to the Premier League when he is done with Milan.
Leao was speaking to RDP Africa when he was asked about his thoughts on leaving Italy for a new experience: “Experience in 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,” the 23-year-old replied.
Asked about the clubs he has followed outside the Serie A, Arsenal alongside their London rivals Chelsea were top of his list, with the former Sporting Lisbon man specifically stating that he has enjoyed Mikel Arteta’s side this season.
“I watch many games,” he said. “This year, I like Arsenal — they’re playing very well.”
He also touched on his contract situation at AC Milan.
The former LOSC Lille forward has become one of the Rossoneri’s most important men since joining in 2018.
His 34 goals in 135 appearances in all competitions may pale in comparison to the numbers of other forwards he is mentioned in the same breadth with, but the Portugal international is a key player who makes Milan tick.
The club is desperately trying to get him to sign a new contract and Leao spoke about the situation.
“I will speak to AC Milan [again] about my contract situation once the World Cup is over.
“We had a positive meeting with [technical director] Paolo Maldini before the World Cup, it was a good one – we’ll enter into details after the break.”
Frederic Massara, Milan’s sporting director, previously said on the issue: “We’re confident to reach an agreement with Rafael Leao and extend his contract.
“We’ll [AC Milan] try to find a solution to proceed with Rafa for long time.”
