One player linked to Arsenal turned heads with his outfit choice just days after being offered to the Gunners.
Andrea Berta has 12 attackers on his wishlist, comprising both wingers and strikers.
Though the Gunners will prioritise signing a number nine, a wide player is also desired, particularly one who is suited to playing on the left side.
Arsenal have been linked to Rodrygo as the Brazilian’s future under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid appears to be uncertain, but the 24-year-old isn’t the only one.
Arsenal target Rafael Leao spotted wearing a Thierry Henry t-shirt
One of the names on Berta’s list is £147m target, Rafael Leao.
The AC Milan winger has a huge release clause at the San Siro, but Arsenal’s chances of signing the Portugal international are not as distant as his value suggests.
Reports claim that Milan offered Leao to interested clubs in a bid to raise much-needed funds for incomings this summer.
Given that Arsenal are dealing with Milan on the transfer front already, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior eyed, there’s an avenue for Berta to strengthen relations.
Leao is an attractive target, but his price tag makes a move difficult to imagine.
That being said, the player might have just indicated his transfer preference, showing some love for Arsenal legend Thierry Henry during his summer holidays.
On Instagram, Leao posed in a dynamic t-shirt of Henry, pictured in the red and white of Arsenal, making sure that the print on his shirt was seen.
The motivation behind the outfit choice is unknown, but given recent links to the Emirates, it’s certainly turned the heads of some fans.
Interestingly, Leao has been compared to Henry before by former manager Stefano Pioli, who likened the duo based on their finishing styles.
Arsenal will be wary about Leao
Being a right-footed left-winger, the Portuguese talent certainly fits the bill when assessing the profile Berta is looking for in the transfer market.
Arsenal fans were charmed by Leao following his cameo for Portugal in the Nations League final, but it would be naive to ignore one of the 26-year-old’s biggest faults.
Inconsistency is a real problem for the winger, who failed to score in back-to-back games in Serie A over the 2024/25 calendar.
While Leao is capable of producing the highest highs of wing-play, he’s also got it in his locker to follow dazzling performances with anonymous displays.
Given that Mikel Arteta needs star quality to compete with Gabriel Martinelli, signing a player notorious for his inconsistency would be a risk, but when Leao is at his best, he becomes a risk worth taking.
from Arsenal FC Transfer News, Rumours, Loan Deals & Signings | Arsenal Insider
Rosie Tudball