Arsenal are interested in the transfer of Rafael Leao but Pat Nevin questions if the AC Milan star is good enough to play for the ‘top teams’. He also likens the forward to Wilfried Zaha.
Nevin admires the way that Leao can glide past players with a similar approach on the ball to Zaha. But the 23-year-old’s return at the top of the pitch leaves question marks over the winger’s ability. Even though Leao is enjoying a remarkable campaign at San Siro this term.
Leao has scored nine and created nine goals over 30 appearances across all competitions so far this season. His haul includes eight goals and six assists through 21 Serie A outings in an underwhelming title defence from the Rossoneri. They sit in fifth place after 22 fixtures.
AC Milan won their first Scudetto in 11 years last season with Leao scoring 11 and assisting 10 goals. The left-forward has continued to impress this term, too, despite his side’s issues. Yet his efforts in the Champions League against Tottenham Hotspur underwhelmed Nevin.
Spurs visited San Siro on Tuesday in the first leg of their Round of 16 meeting. Brahim Diaz (7’) scored the only goal of the game to give the Rossoneri the lead on aggregate. Leao did not influence the scoring but he went close having threatened to cause issues throughout.
Leao interests Arsenal and Chelsea in view of a transfer from AC Milan
Malick Thiaw nearly scored following Leao’s efforts to probe Tottenham’s backline. The AC Milan forward could dazzle on the ball during the San Siro showdown. But at other points, he also struggled to leave Nevin feeling underwhelmed with what the Portugal star offers.
“The fans love him and I know why they would love him,” Nevin has told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He’s a special player and he does special things.
“He glides brilliantly and you think Wilfried Zaha and players like that, he has that beautiful way of beating players. But that final return is much, much too limited for the top teams to consider him.”
Yet Dean Jones reports that Leao interests Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea in his transfer from AC Milan. The London giants are monitoring the forward’s negotiations with the Rossoneri for a new contract. Yet Arsenal’s interest will hinge on AC Milan’s valuation.
The Gunners will not follow the Blues in paying whatever it takes to sign their targets. But Emirates Stadium chiefs know they will be a more appealing destination with Champions League football next season. Yet Gazzetta dello Sport cites a €100m (£88.5m) asking price.
AC Milan paid LOSC Lille €35m (£32m) for Leao’s transfer in August 2019 with a five-year contract. Now, they are discussing a new deal and TuttoMercatoWEB reports the forward wants to lower his release clause from €150m (£133m) and asks for it to be €80m (£71m).
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