Whilst the summer transfer window delivered on all its promises, the next transfer window this winter could also be eventful. Arsenal and Manchester City could find themselves at the heart of an €85m (£75m) clash.
This summer, Arsenal spent heavily in the transfer market to strengthen their squad. The English club are now built to finally go and secure that English championship title. However, after surrendering their throne to Liverpool last season, Manchester City fully intend to reclaim what is theirs and to achieve this, the chequebook will need to come out again. The two giants are courting the same player.
According to information from Caught Offside, Arsenal and Manchester City are considering making an offer to AC Milan for Rafael Leao. The British newspaper adds moreover that whilst the Italian club would like to keep the Portuguese winger, his price has been set at €80-85m (£70-75m). A winter offensive from either the Gunners or the Citizens is entirely conceivable.
Arsenal and Manchester City battle for Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao is under contract until June 2028 with AC Milan and at present, negotiations for an extension are not progressing. The Italian club are therefore considering letting their star leave, but only in the event of a substantial offer. The former LOSC player still benefits from a release clause of €150m (£130m), but neither Arsenal nor Manchester City will offer such an amount to the Rossoneri.
Mikel Arteta particularly appreciates Rafael Leao's profile, as does Pep Guardiola. Moreover, the winger would like to play in the Premier League before the end of his career. The time to leave AC Milan may be arriving. The Portuguese's preference is not known but PSG are also frequently mentioned among the clubs following the 26-year-old player. However, competition will be equally fierce on the wings at Manchester City (Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, Phil Foden) as at Arsenal (Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke).
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
