Arsenal is in a race against Chelsea to sign a Serie A superstar as Price set for the highly talented Arsenal signing while Chelsea fall behind…

Arsenal is competing with Chelsea to acquire a Serie A superstar, as the price for the highly talented player is set while Chelsea lags behind.

Reports suggest that Arsenal will need to invest between €80-85 million (approximately £75 million / $98 million) to secure Rafael Leao from AC Milan.

CaughtOffside indicates that Milan is concerned they may not be able to secure Leao with new terms and are preparing for a significant sale in the summer of 2026. The winger’s contract features an impressive €150 million (£132 million / $173.5 million) release clause, although Milan is no longer insisting on that full amount.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are all believed to be interested in Leao. Among these clubs, Arsenal appears to be his main suitor, as they are reportedly looking to ‘accelerate’ negotiations.

Rafael Leao’s career statistics include:

– Time spent at Sporting CP and Lille before transferring to Milan for €35 million.

– A total of 75 goals and 63 assists in 268 appearances for the Rossoneri.

– Contributions to Milan’s victory in one Scudetto and one Italian Super Cup.

– Regular participation in the Portugal national team, scoring five goals in 41 caps.

According to CaughtOffside, Milan ‘are not actively looking to sell’, but the competition for Leao’s signature is ‘intensifying’ nonetheless. Milan is aware that the Portuguese star is eager to advance in his career.

Arsenal is ‘in a strong position’ to bring Leao to the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta identifying him as an ‘ideal’ addition to enhance the left side of the team.

Manchester City could become Arsenal’s primary rival for Leao, as Pep Guardiola is a notable admirer of his versatility.

Could Leao be the replacement for Martinelli?

The report indicates that discussions may commence during the January transfer window, although a deal is more likely to be finalized at the end of the season.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, disclosed on October 29 that Leao is ‘very keen’ on moving to England, and Arteta views him as a perfect upgrade for Gabriel Martinelli.

It is understood that Milan is seeking a premium fee for the 26-year-old and may hold out for more than the €80-85 million.

We recognize that Milan is seeking a premium fee for the 26-year-old and may hold out for more than the €80-85m that CaughtOffside has suggested.

Chelsea was linked to a potential move for Leao on Tuesday; however, we explained why a transfer to Arsenal is a more logical option.

Tottenham Hotspur has previously shown interest in Leao, but they are currently exploring other forward options.

Reasons for the star’s move in 2026

Leao has been anticipated to make a move to the Premier League for several years, and he must finally realize his ambition in the summer of 2026.

He will be turning 27 in June, which many view as the beginning of his prime years.

If Leao delays too long in securing a transfer, English clubs might hesitate to make substantial offers due to his advancing age.

Additionally, the forward has spent several years in Serie A and is in need of a fresh challenge.

Serie A lacks the competitiveness of the Premier League, so a transfer to Arsenal would allow Leao to test his skills against some of the top defenders in the league.