AC Milan director Igli Tare insists that Rafael Leao remains a “very important player” for the club amid interest from Arsenal ahead of this summer.

The Portugal international has been heavily linked with a Premier League switch for several seasons and a deal could finally be on the cards during the upcoming transfer window as Arsenal look to bolster their forward options ahead of next year.

Current ETV

Rafael Leão

F (CL), M (L)

Milan

€70.7M

ETV Range

€63.6M – €77.7M

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FootballTransfers has been told that Mikel Arteta’s side have held initial talks with Leao’s representatives over a potential summer move, with the Gunners now ready to step up their pursuit of his signature.

A fee of €80 million will likely be required to finalise a deal for the 26-year-old, with Milan open to a sale and Leao keen to test himself in the Premier League. However, Tare remains a huge admirer of the forward.

“We seem to talk about Leao every week, but his quality is beyond doubt,” the Milan director told reporters ahead of their 1-0 loss to Napoli on Monday.

“His problem is that he suffered a lot of injuries this season that never allowed him to express himself in the best way…

“He has a contract for another two years, he is a very important player for Milan.”

– Rafael Leao, AC Milan

Confirmed: Arsenal want to sign a new left winger this summer

In addition to Leao, FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are also eager to sign Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The England international has 22 goal contributions in 45 games so far this season and we have been informed that Arsenal are ready to submit an opening bid for the 25-year-old following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.

Newcastle are reluctant to sell Gordon, but it’s understood that Eddie Howe’s side are willing to allow two or three stars to depart this summer, with the Englishman potentially among them.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have shared duties as Arsenal’s left winger this season, however they have both been linked with exits in recent weeks and they could be offloaded in order to fund the Gunners’ transfer business.

Arsenal Sack Mikel Arteta After Disappointing Run

In a shocking turn of events, Arsenal have officially parted ways with head coach Mikel Arteta following a series of disappointing results in their last two fixtures.

The decision, confirmed by the club in an official statement released this morning, was made after an emergency board meeting. Reports suggest that the club’s hierarchy had grown increasingly concerned about the team’s recent performances, which saw a dip in form at a crucial stage of the season.

“Decision Made by the Board This Morning”

According to the statement, the decision to relieve Arteta of his duties was reached unanimously by the board. While the club acknowledged his contributions, they emphasized that immediate action was necessary to steer the team back on track.

Arteta, who took charge of Arsenal in 2019, led the club to notable successes during his tenure, including restoring a competitive edge and developing a young, promising squad. However, recent setbacks appear to have overshadowed his earlier achievements.

End of an Era

Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the news. While some believe the decision was overdue given recent performances, others have shown support and gratitude for Arteta’s efforts in rebuilding the team.

The club is expected to announce an interim manager soon, with speculation already mounting over potential long-term replacements.

Farewell, Arteta

As Arsenal move forward, the departure of Arteta marks the end of a significant chapter. His time at the club will be remembered for both the challenges faced and the progress made.u

Player ratings

Southampton:Peretz (8), Bree (8), Harwood-Bellis (7), Wood (8), Manning (7), Bragg (7), Fellows (8), Jander (7), Azaz (7), Scienza (9), Stewart (8)

Subs: Edozie (7), Charles (8), Larin (7)

Arsenal: Arrizabalaga (5), White (5), Mosquera (5), Gabriel (5), Lewis-Skelly (5), Norgaard (5), Odegaard (5), Havertz (6), Dowman (7), Martinelli (5), Jesus (5)

Subs:Gyokeres (7), Caliafiori (6), Madueke (6), Saliba (6)

Player of the Match: Leo Scienza

Saints set their stall out early with the magnificent Leo Scienza causing mayhem on the break without finding the final finish.

The returning Martin Odegaard was denied from 20 yards by Daniel Peretz and then scuffed an effort wide, with Dowman and Kai Havertz next to have chances as the Gunners started to click into gear. But the opening goal didn’t go their way.

Ben White misjudged a long ball and Stewart brought down before rifling home.

The 35th-minute goal sparked bedlam around St Mary’s and stunned Arsenal, who offered precious little by way of response before the break.

Southampton went closer again after the interval, with Scienza cutting on to his right just inside the box and bending a wonderful effort that struck the crossbar.

Arteta had made a triple change just before that and one of those introduced levelled in the 68th minute. Gabriel slipped through Havertz, who took a touch before pulling back for Gyokeres to level with a sharp finish.

Arsenal were then forced into a change as Gabriel limped off to be replaced by Saliba.

With Arsenal allowing the game to drift, Saints managed to squeeze the ball forward to Charles in the 85th minute and the substitute strucka famous winner.

The Gunners are currently nine points clear at the top of the Premier League over Manchester City. It’s very much in their hands.

However, with so many players out of form and injuries mounting again, does this leave Arsenal vulnerable to the City charge? It’s Sporting Lisbon next up in midweek in the Champions League.

Arteta: I love my players, I won’t criticise them