Arsenal will step up their interest in AC Milan star Rafael Leao if Gabriel Martinelli leaves the club in the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old fits the profile Mikel Arteta is looking to bring in.
Leao’s direct style and willingness to take on his man would lend a new dimension to an Arsenal side who have lacked a creative spark in the attacking third this season.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal are prepared to sell Martinelli if they can land a top-class replacement in the transfer market.
Leao has been identified as a potential option, and scouts have been keeping an eye on his progress in Milan since before the start of the season, with work ongoing in the background.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that Arsenal planned to sign a “superstar” winger in January, but they were unable to get a deal over the line.
Brown told Football Insider on 15 May that Arsenal will turn down Bayern Munich duo Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane in favour of alternative options.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that Leao would be the ideal addition and work is ongoing towards a deal.
“Rafael Leao is one of the players Arsenal have been looking at,” he told Football Insider.
“They have been looking at him since the start of the season and potentially beyond that, because it’s a position they are aware they have problems in.
“These decisions are made in the background over a period of time, they’re not reactionary.
“So they’ve been working behind the scenes, scouting him and figuring out what it would take to sign him.
“He’s very direct, quick and skilful which is exactly the type of winger they’re looking for.
“He likes to go at his man, stretch teams and make a difference going forward.
“I think Arsenal have lacked that type of player this season because apart from Saka they don’t have decisive players in the final third who will make a difference.“
Another player Arsenal have considered as their marquee left-wing signing is Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo, who could become available this summer.
However, Football Insider revealed Arsenal could be put off from signing Rodrygo as Madrid are likely to demand upwards of £85million for his signature.
Sources say the Gunners are more likely to commit that type of money to signing an out-and-out number nine, where they will prioritise before considering other positions.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Rodrygo is also on Liverpool’s shortlist and are prepared to compete with Arteta’s side for his signature.
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