Arsenal target Rafael Leao has been praised by Bastian Schweinsteiger after his stunning display in the UEFA Champions League.
The Portugal international is wanted by Mikel Arteta – according to Dean Jones – and the Spaniard’s admiration for the AC Milan No.17 has surely grown after his efforts on Tuesday evening.
What’s the story?
Well, Leao delivered a masterclass in Naples on Tuesday as AC Milan reached the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final with a 2-1 aggregate win over Napoli.
The Arsenal target played a key role, embarking on a mesmeric run to assist Oliver Giroud which left Schweinsteiger stunned.
Reacting to Leao’s assist on Twitter, the German World Cup winner wrote: “Rafael Leao‘s assist for Giroud was one of the best I have seen for a long time!!!! If Leao can prove his qualities more often he will be one of the Top-3 players in the world.”
It really was a magnificent assist from the £32m man, to say the least.
Leao ran from inside his own half, breezing past a number of Napoli players before unselfishly squaring the ball to Giroud for the France international to tap in.
Arsenal surely tempted by Rafael Leao
If Arteta had the 23-year-old in his squad, Arsenal would become even more dangerous.
Leao – who has already admitted that he likes Arsenal – is a physical phenomenon who also possesses the technical quality to make an impact at the highest level.
So far this season, the Portuguese wonderkid has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions – his match winning display against Napoli will only make Arteta and Edu more tempted to bid for him.
The only question mark would be where he fits in at the Emirates Stadium, as Gabriel Martinelli already has the left flank locked up.
Wherever Leao ends up, there is no denying that he has the potential to become one of the very best.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
