Portugal international and AC Milan star Rafael Leao is one of the most sought-after attacking players in European football and has a lengthy list of potential suitors.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for Leao, and fans from the Premier League are watching his every move. However, it was Liverpool supporters who got excited after he appeared to make a nod to their star man Mohamed Salah by wearing a jersey donning his name and number while enjoying a work-out in the gym.
Whilst Leao appearing to showcase his admiration for Salah was enough to excite some Liverpool fans on social media, his comments on a potential transfer saw Arsenal on the receiving end of an eye-catching compliment. The Portugal international admitted it is the Gunners who have caught his eye this season as he confirmed he one day would like a Premier League move.
However, he insisted he remains 100% focused on Milan for the time being as he continues to impress and attract interest. Over the last three seasons at the San Siro, Leao has established himself as one of the most exciting young prospects on the continent and shown exactly why Milan opted to fork out €35million for his services from Ligue 1 outfit Lille in 2019.
Pressed for comment on whether he was keen on playing in the Premier League, Leao told RDP Africa, via TMW: "Yes, in the future. But now I’m 100 per cent focused on Milan. I’m at a top club and I’m under contract. I also like the city of Milan."
When it comes to the city of London, there are two clubs vying for his services in Chelsea and Arsenal. When asked to name a side that had impressed him this term, Leao admitted: "I’ve seen a lot of games this year, I like Arsenal, I think they play very well."
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Such is the relentless natUre of the speculation, Milan boss Stefano Pioli has been forced to come out and address the rumours of Leao's potential exit.
"I advise him to sign a new deal and stay at Milan. I see Rafa very happy here," Pioli told Sky Sports. "Leao here will have the chance to improve again, he feels good at Milan with this group."
His sentiments were echoed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who added: "Of course, Milan is the right environment for him. Just look at his growth, when he arrived, he was far from the decisive player he is today.
"Here he is very important for us, elsewhere would he be as important? He would have to start from scratch, you can’t be sure he would be ready right away."
Leao's current deal with the Serie A titans expires in the summer of 2024, but those at the top of the Rossoneri hierarchy are working tirelessly to rectify that.
