Transfer Centre

AC Milan want Gabriel Martinelli as Rafael Leao replacement?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 09 December 2022

AC Milan want Martinelli as Rafael Leao replacement?

AC Milan reportedly identify Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli as an ideal replacement for Rafael Leao, who continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea.

AC Milan have reportedly identified Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli as an ideal replacement for Rafael Leao.

Portugal starlet Leao played a prominent role in Milan's run to the 2021-22 Serie A title, and Chelsea unsuccessfully tried to prise him away from San Siro in the summer.

The 23-year-old has continued his strong form in the 2022-23 campaign with seven goals and nine assists from 20 appearances, and he also has two goals for Portugal at the World Cup, despite not starting any games in Qatar yet.

Leao is now regarded as one of the most in-demand attackers in Europe, and Chelsea continue to be strongly linked with the former Lille and Sporting Lisbon youngster.

Manchester United are also said to be keeping tabs on Leao if a move for PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo falls through, and he is only under contract at San Siro until 2024.

Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan on October 8, 2022 © Reuters

Milan are known to be trying to tie Leao down to fresh terms, but they are yet to reach an agreement with the attacker's entourage and could come under pressure to sell in 2023.

Should the Rossoneri ultimately wave goodbye to Leao, Calciomercatoweb claims that Martinelli has emerged as a leading option to replace the Portuguese.

Martinelli arrived at Arsenal from the Brazilian fourth tier in 2019, and he immediately cemented his place in the first team under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.

The 21-year-old has already amassed 23 goals and 15 assists in 104 games for the Gunners in all competitions, including five strikes and two assists from 14 Premier League outings this term.

Martinelli's form for the Premier League leaders earned him a place in Brazil's World Cup squad, and he earned plaudits for his performance against Cameroon in a 1-0 group-stage loss.

Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring for Arsenal on October 9, 2022 © Reuters

The former Ituano starlet is only contracted to Arsenal until 2024, but Arteta's side are in discussions with Martinelli's entourage over a new contract.

When asked about his prospects of signing a new-and-improved deal at the Emirates last month, Martinelli reiterated his desire to remain in North London, telling a press conference: "I'm very happy at Arsenal.

"I said it many times. This is my club. I love to be here, I love the city, the club, everything about Arsenal. I want to stay. I'm very happy. I just need to get a pen."

Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are also believed to be keeping an eye on Martinelli, who was named on the bench for Brazil's World Cup 2022 quarter-final with Croatia on Friday.

Leao's Portugal, meanwhile, will face off against Morocco for a spot in the semi-finals on Saturday, and the AC Milan attacker is also expected to be named among the substitutes for his country.