Arsenal have reportedly identified two new attacking targets for the summer transfer window, including AC Milan's Rafael Leao and a Premier League option.
Adding another wide man to their ranks is thought to be a priority of Arsenal's for the upcoming market, as well as a new striker, goalkeeper and defensive midfielder.
In recent days, speculation has heated up surrounding a possible blockbuster move for Real Madrid's Rodrygo, although it has now been alleged that there are internal 'worries' about a move for the Brazilian.
Instead, the Gunners could trigger the £48m release clause in the contract of Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, although they will not be the only club trying to secure the Spain international's services.
Now, sporting director Andrea Berta has seemingly identified two alternatives to the La Liga-based pair, as Calciomercato claims that the Arsenal chief recently made direct contact with Milan to understand Leao's situation.
Arsenal's Berta makes 'direct survey' for Milan's Leao
© Imago
The 25-year-old has a contract with the Rossoneri until 2028, and the club are also protected by a mammoth €175m (£146.9m) release clause in his deal, which would be out of Arsenal's price range.
Furthermore, Milan are supposedly not actively looking to sell Leao this summer, but his agent Jorge Mendes is trying to secure an exit for the attacker, who will not be playing European football next season due to the Rossoneri's seventh-placed finish in the Serie A table.
Despite Milan's poor season collectively, Leao enjoyed another productive individual campaign with 25 direct goal contributions from 50 matches in all competitions, 12 of his own and 13 assists.
Arsenal are just one of a few clubs running the rule over his situation, a list that also includes Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Saudi Pro League sides, but he is apparently not a prime target on Arsenal's left.
If Milan refuse to relent on Leao's release clause, Arsenal would need to make him their most expensive signing of all time, an unlikely scenario given their other priorities for the summer window.
Kaoru Mitoma 'added to Arsenal's shortlist'
© Imago
A cheaper alternative could arrive in the form of Brighton & Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma, whom journalist Florian Plettenberg claims is also a target of Arsenal's for the summer window.
The 28-year-old has established a reputation as one of the Premier League's most exciting wingers in recent years, and he scored his 10th goal of the top-flight season in Monday's 3-2 win over Liverpool.
Mitoma is said to be one of the few different 'profiles' of winger that Berta has on his mind for the 2025-26 season, although Bayern are also keeping a close eye on the Japan international's situation.
Plettenberg adds that Real's Rodrygo is still Arsenal's number one target, but there has been no progress in their efforts to bring the Brazil international to the Premier League due to his wage demands.
Rodrygo currently pockets just over £200,000 per week at the Bernabeu, a figure that none of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes take home in North London.
Ben Knapton
