World Cup stats prove Rafael Leao can solve Arsenal problem position amid come-and-get-me plea
Rafael Leao has openly spoken about his wishes of playing in the Premier League and about his fondness for Arsenal.
The Premier League champions have been extensively linked with the 27-year-old over the years, and this summer could finally see the move take place.
Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a new star name on the left of the attack this summer, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both potentially set to leave.
Leao has just two years remaining on his deal at AC Milan and will reportedly be available for a fee in the region of £50million - a far more palatable figure than the £116m PSG reportedly want for Bradley Barcola.
The forward featured as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic clash to reach the World Cup round of 16.
Leao's cross made the winner for Goncalo Ramos, after Cristiano Ronaldo had cancelled out Ivan Perisic's opener from the spot.
Rafael Leao impresses in stats vs Croatia
Leao's career has not quite taken the path he may have expected it to, but it is far from over yet.
The winger made his real breakthrough at in Ligue 1 with Lille, before Milan picked him up in a deal worth around £32m in 2019.
The 2021-22 season saw Leao explode. The forward scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, before going even better with 15 goals and eight assists in the next campaign.
He has never quite hit those heights again but neither have Milan, and he has continued to reliably produce.
Against Croatia on Friday, Leao put his ability on full show. The 27-year-old had gone close to putting Portugal ahead in the closing stages with a venomous strike that hit the underside of the bar, and it was a similar technique that planted the ball onto Ramos' head for the winner.
The Almada-born talent ultimately created two chances, completed two successful dribbles, five recoveries and won two duels.
What has Leao said about Arsenal and the Premier League?
Leao's desire to play in the Premier League has been no secret for many years.
He and many others expected that move to come at the height of his powers, but for whatever reason, it never materialised. There have been rumours that the winger's work-rate is not good enough and that would certainly pose a problem for Arteta, but it appears an easy fix.
"If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy," Leao said earlier this year. "I think that I can put my talent up against the players there, who are of a very high level."
The forward has mentioned Arsenal and Manchester United among his favourite clubs, and has been spotted sporting a shirt adorned with Thierry Henry's Arsenal highlights.