Arsenal ‘in the lead’ to sign new 10-goal striker who has been converted into left winger

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Arsenal are ‘favourites’ to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao this summer as Mikel Arteta eyes attacking reinforcements, according to reports. The Gunners could boast a new-look attack next season and Leao could be its leading man.

Milan signed Leao on a £32million (€35m) deal from Lille in 2019, and he was initially a striker at San Siro.

However, he has thrived as a left-winger under Stefano Pioli this season, with Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic sharing frontman duty in a 4-2-3-1.

Leao had scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 73 games across his first two seasons in Italy.

But this season, he already has 10 goals and six assists to his name from 27 appearances in all competitions.

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And according to La Repubblica, a host of Premier League clubs are monitoring his progress ahead of a potential summer pursuit.

Arsenal, though, have been touted as frontrunners for the 22-year-old’s signature, as they are currently showing the most interest.

Milan plans to open contract talks amid speculation over his future, with the player’s current deal expiring in 2024.

But he could be tempted by a switch to England, especially if a club of Arsenal’s stature makes an approach later this year.

This season, Leao’s high-energy performances and dribbling ability have caught the eye aside as well as his increased goal contributions.

Given his form and importance to Pioli’s Scudetti-chasing team, Milan would undoubtedly look to make a significant profit on the Portugal international.

And given Arsenal might be looking for an exclusive striker rather than a wide man, a hefty valuation would likely leave a deal in doubt.

Arteta wanted to sign Dusan Vlahovic in January, but he snubbed a move to north London for Juventus, whilst Alexander Isak was also under consideration.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left for Barcelona on a free transfer in January, cutting his contract at the Emirates Stadium short by mutual consent.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah’s deals expire in June, and both players look likely to also leave as free agents.

Regardless of whether they truly want Leao, the Gunners’ European status could be important to his decision.

They could miss out on Champions League football for a sixth successive season whilst Milan are in good stead to qualify for a second-straight campaign.

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