AC Milan and Real Madrid stars on Arsenal's radar as long-term transfer shortlist emerges - report
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a move for two Champions League attackers in the transfer market.
Arsenal are heading into their next game against Wolves, hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. They are looking nervously over their shoulder as they have just a two-point lead over rivals Manchester City, who play against Crystal Palace this weekend.
The Gunners are in somewhat of an injury crisis at the moment, and heading into the January transfer window, they could look to add more players, despite their incredible level of depth at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.
Recent reports have suggested that two Champions League attackers are on Arsenal’s shortlist as long-term targets. They were linked to both of them in the summer, and could be in line for a shock January move.
Leao and Rodrygo on Arsenal’s shortlist
Real Madrid winger Rodrygo was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer, as reports suggested he wasn’t happy at the Bernabeu. However, the Gunners opted to sign Eberechi Eze instead. Furthermore, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao was also considered a target.
It seems that Arsenal haven’t given up on the Champions League duo, as Caught Offside reports that both of them are still on the Gunners’ radar, and remain on their long-term transfer shortlist heading into the January transfer window.
Rodrygo has made 14 La Liga appearances for Madrid this season, but is yet to score, whereas Leao has scored five goals and provided one assist in 10 Serie A matches this season for AC Milan. Neither player is expected to come cheap, as they have a combined market value of £132m, and they are both said to be worth between £60m and £70m heading into January.
It is unlikely that Arsenal would go after one of Rodrygo or Leao in January, but both players could certainly be names to watch out for heading into the next summer transfer window.
Rodrygo or Leao could replace Martinelli
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with a move away heading into January, and so, if the Gunners were to sell the Brazil international, Rodrygo and Leao could both be potential candidates to replace Martinelli.
The winger has struggled to get into the team as much this season under Arteta, mainly because of the impressive performances from the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Bukayo Saka.
Reports in November said that Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Martinelli amid reported interest from the Saudi Pro League. The 24-year-old is expected to be worth around £40m. He has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring six goals and one assist. He has been impressive in the Champions League, scoring five goals in five games.
It would make sense for Arsenal to sell Martinelli at this stage if they don’t want to extend his contract, as his current deal is expected to expire in June 2027, meaning he’ll have just one year left on his deal come the end of the season.