Mikel Arteta gifted golden £59m Serie A transfer opportunity amid Arsenal's Raphina concerns

Arsenal have identified Raphinha as their main transfer target to strengthen the wing positions for Mikel Arteta ahead of next season. However, a deal is proving difficult to complete.

It is important that Edu searches for alternatives to prevent the Gunners from leaving the summer transfer window empty-handed in the wing positions. A useful alternative for the north London side would be Rafael Leao who could be available for a transfer.

The AC Milan winger has been heavily linked to Arsenal this season. With Edu already signing a Portugal star in Fabio Vieira during this summer transfer window, the Gunners’ technical director could sign another in Leao.

Edu close ties with Mikel Arteta ideal £65m signing's agent can see Arsenal win transfer battle

On Tuesday evening, The Athletic’s David Ornstein had reported that Arsenal had a bid rejected by Leeds United, with the player also not viewing the Gunners as a preferred move with Chelsea and Barcelona both linked to the winger. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has quoted Raphinha to cost around £65million.

A potential transfer for Raphinha looks a tough task to complete which is why Leao would certainly be an ideal alternative. According to Spanish news outlet AS, AC Milan president Paolo Scaroi has left the door open to the possible sale of Leao.

Arsenal reportedly registered interest in Leao earlier in the season as Italian outlet La Repubblica claimed that Arsenal had turned their attention to the AC Milan forward for the summer transfer window. It is a deal that Edu could look to revisit, as Arsenal could be short in the wing positions going into next season.

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