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Report: Arsenal lead race to sign Mbappe 2.0, described as ‘better than Cristiano Ronaldo’

Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
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STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILAN, ITALY - 2022/02/13: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A football match between AC Milan and UC Sampdoria. AC Milan won 1-0 over UC Sampdoria. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

According to La Repubblica, Arsenal are leading the race to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who has been likened to Kylian Mbappe.

What’s the story?

Well, the Italian news outlet state that half of the Premier League are interested in signing the 22-year-old, who looks set to have a bright future.

Leao has a contract with AC Milan until June 2024, although the Serie A side are worried about losing their No.17 and are keen to extend his deal.

So far this season, the Portugal international has scored ten goals in 27 appearances, while also recording six assists.

Arsenal are said to be pushing hardest to sign Leao, who has been praised heavily across the football world.

As aforesaid, the youngster has been likened to Mbappe by LOSC Lille president Gerard Lopez, who was ecstatic after signing him from Sporting Lisbon in 2018.

Goal quote him as saying: “He’s the Portuguese Mbappe.”

Leao has also been described as being “better than Cristiano Ronaldo” by his former coach, Tiago Fernandes.

He told L’Equipe: “Rafael is the best player in the history of the Sporting Academy. As a youngster he was better than Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Arsenal need Rafael Leao

STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILAN, ITALY - 2022/02/13: Rafael Leao of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A football match between AC Milan and UC Sampdoria. AC Milan won 1-0 over UC Sampdoria. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

In our view, Leao could be the final piece in the jigsaw for Arsenal in attack.

Mikel Arteta currently has some incredible options across his frontline, such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe.

However, the Gunners are lacking a No.9 to spearhead the exciting trio, and Leao could be that man.

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 13: Rafael Leao of AC Milan controls the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 13, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Aged just 22, he would be able to grow alongside the aforementioned trio, who are a similar age to the AC Milan wonderkid.

In our view, Arsenal would have one of the most entertaining attacks in the Premier League if they brought Leao to England.

Keep an eye on this saga, as it sounds like Arsenal are doing everything they can to sign him.