Arsenal are said to have settled on AC Milan star Rafael Leao as their ideal summer transfer window signing, with Mikel Arteta keen to finally win a Premier League title.
Fans were treated to arguably their greatest every European night at the Emirates when the Gunners beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday night.
Arteta's side look certain to progress into at least the semi-finals where they are likely to face Paris Saint-Germain following their 3-1 victory against Aston Villa on Wednesday, and it would not be surprising if the winner of that tie went on to lift the trophy.
However, the Spanish boss will still be deeply disappointed by the club's performances in the Premier League given they are 11 points behind first-placed Liverpool and look destined to finish second for a third consecutive season.
Arteta will reportedly look to correct the mistakes of 2024-25 in the upcoming summer, with Fichajes claiming that Leao is seen as the Gunners' top target despite his release clause exceeding £85m.
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Why Arsenal need Leao
The Gunners have at times looked blunt in the Premier League this season, with the Londoners' return of 56 goals significantly fewer than Liverpool's 72.
Many supporters and pundits have been critical of the performances of striker Kai Havertz, arguing that the addition of someone such as Alexander Isak would push the club to the title.
However, there is a clear creativity issue considering they have produced 48.5 xG, which is only the seventh-best figure among teams in the top flight.
While Leao has scored just 10 goals in 43 appearances for AC Milan this term, statistics do not fully capture his impact in the final third.
The 25-year-old is an expert dribbler, and his tall frame allows the left-winger to carry the ball powerfully forward, wrecking havoc among opposition defences.
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Can Arsenal win the title next season?
While the points gap to Liverpool would suggest that there is a significant gulf between the two clubs, it should be noted that Arsenal have been somewhat derailed by injuries.
Talisman Bukayo Saka suffered a serious hamstring issue in December and missed months of action, while others such as Gabriel Jesus and Havertz are set to miss the rest of the season.
By signing someone like Leao, Arteta would be able to avoid having to utilise midfielder Mikel Merino in the forward line, and he would also be able to provide strong competition for Gabriel Martinelli.
There is every chance that Arsenal improve their domestic form in 2025-26, and they would likely be considered favourites for the title if they added someone of the calibre of Leao to their ranks.
Lewis Nolan
