Rafael Leao to Arsenal transfer update as 'deal agreed' after Xabi Alonso crushes Rodrygo dream

Arsenal have been dealt a blow to their hopes of signing Rafael Leao this summer. The 25-year-old winger has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after .

Leao, whose contract at the San Siro expires in June 2028, featured 34 times in the Serie A this season, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists. Despite his best efforts, , finishing in eighth position with 63 points.

The Portugal international was an unused substitute on the last day of the campaign, sparking doubt over his future. Then, reported that Andrea Berta had spoken to Leao on the phone earlier in May.

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The French outlet claimed the Arsenal sporting director informed the Milan star of 'definite interest' from the Emirates Stadium. It's said Leao is on the Gunners' shortlist, .

added that Arsenal are exploring 'several options' before making a final decision. Milan have since sacked Sergio Conceicao, .

The 50-year-old replaced Paulo Fonseca in December, . Massimiliano Allegri has taken the wheel at the San Siro for the second time in his career following a year or so out of the game.

The former Juventus boss agreed a two-year deal with Milan, which includes the option of an additional 12 months. Allegri has wasted no time in laying the foundations to his project.

According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, as quoted by , the new Rossoneri manager has placed Leao at the centre of his plans, with only a 'truly unmissable offer' stopping the Portuguese ace from forcing the club to consider his exit.

The report claims Leao has been given 'important reassurances about his future'. This comes as a major blow for Arsenal, who were recently knocked back in their pursuit of Rodrygo from Real Madrid.

Speaking at his unveiling as the new Los Blancos head coach on Monday, Xabi Alonso issued a hands-off warning. The former Liverpool midfielder said: "He's a Madrid player and I will have a conversation with everyone because we need to do so.

"We'll get to know each other. He's a spectacular player and we need him."

Whether Arsenal sign Leao or Rodrygo remains to be seen, but Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta has made it pretty clear what area of the pitch he wants to strengthen this summer. Speaking with reporters ahead of Arsenal's clash against Southampton, the Spaniard claimed that he wants to 'add goals and creativity' to his squad.

"What is clear with the amount of injuries we had in the front-line is that we need a goal threat," said Arteta. "We need the firepower out there, and understanding that the context can change tomorrow.

"We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before. We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions."

On whether he has an idea of how many players he wants to bring in, Arteta simply grinned and replied: "Yes."