£108k-per-week star rejects Galatasaray because he wants to join Arsenal

Arsenal’s summer transfer plans continue to dominate headlines following their Premier League title-winning campaign, with Mikel Arteta and the club’s recruitment team assessing several major attacking additions ahead of next season.

The Gunners’ shortlist includes the likes of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi and Atlético Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

The latter is a strong target for Barcelona, who recently submitted an opening bid for £100m-plus rated striker, while Rogers is understood to be keen on a move to north London.

The BBC also reported that Arsenal are targeting reinforcements in attack, midfield and at full-back as they look to strengthen a squad that lifted the Premier League trophy but fell short in the Champions League final.

Alvarez has remained one of the biggest names linked with the club in recent weeks, while Arsenal have also been credited with interest in younger talents as they continue balancing immediate improvements with long-term planning.

Another high-profile attacker is also a real option for sporting Andrea Berta.

Rafael Leao rejects Galatasaray as he eyes Arsenal move

According to a report relayed by Sport Witness from La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan winger Rafael Leao is hoping Arsenal move for him this summer and is not currently enthusiastic about a switch to Galatasaray.

The report claims the Portugal international would prefer to keep his options open rather than commit to the Turkish champions while interest from Arsenal and elsewhere remains possible, despite Galatasaray’s readiness to offer him a big pay rise on his £108,000-per-week wages.

Leao’s situation has become one of the more intriguing stories of the transfer window.

The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a departure from Milan in recent months, with several clubs across Europe monitoring developments.

Reports in Italy and elsewhere have suggested that Leao is open to a new challenge after spending several years at San Siro, where he once established himself as one of Serie A’s most dangerous attacking players.

The latest update suggests Arsenal are among the clubs capable of influencing his decision.

According to the reportLeao is effectively waiting to discover whether the Gunners decide to pursue a deal before seriously considering other opportunities.

Galatasaray are said to have shown strong interest and have already made contact with the player’s camp, but the Portuguese forward is reportedly prioritising other possibilities.

Similar reports from Italy in recent weeks have indicated that Galatasaray’s interest is genuine.

From Arsenal’s perspective, the attraction could be there for a few reasons.

Leao is capable of operating across the front line but is most effective from the left wing, where his pace, dribbling ability and goal threat made him one of Europe’s most recognisable attackers, even if he hasn’t been at his best lately.

Adding a player of that profile would give Arteta another elite option alongside an already impressive attacking group.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have also been tipped for the exit door by some reports, so Leao could act as a replacement.

Whether Arsenal are prepared to advance their interest remains unclear, with Milan demanding around £43m.

For now, the situation remains one to watch.