Antonio Cassano has warned Arsenal that reported target Rafael Leao does not have ‘the makings of a champion’. The Premier League club are keen on his transfer from AC Milan.
The Italy hero feels Leao may be heading for the exits doors at San Siro as discussions over his new contract persist. But Cassano fears the forward will only be leaving the Serie A side for the cash on offer. He also doubts the 23-year-old being an important player elsewhere.
Leao has proven he is one of the Rossoneri’s most important figures with nine goals and 10 assists this term. Stefano Pioli has also used the Portuguese in 33 of AC Milan’s 35 fixtures so far this term. The winger has sat out two Italian top-flight matches through suspensions.
Arsenal are rivalling Manchester City for Rafael Leao’s transfer from AC Milan
The attacking threat that Leao offers AC Milan has convinced Arsenal and Chelsea to target his transfer, per Dean Jones. Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge chiefs both hold a firm interest in a deal. But Mikel Arteta making a swoop will hinge on the Rossoneri’s valuation.
Interest from Manchester City may also prove problematic as Calciomercato adds that Pep Guardiola has marked Leao as a target. It also notes that AC Milan have offered the winger a €7m-a-year (£119k-a/w) salary to stay. His current £30k-a-week deal lapses in June 2024.
Yet despite Leao only having one year left on his contract when the transfer market opens, Ciro Venerato notes AC Milan value Leao at €90m (£80m). While his agent has spoken with Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and PSG to sound out any interest.
Antonio Cassano fears Rafael Leao will make a mistake by leaving San Siro
While Arsenal, Chelsea and now Manchester City are interested in securing a transfer with AC Milan for Leao, Cassano fears the winger would make a mistake by leaving San Siro. He questions the Portuguese going for the cash as he would struggle to thrive at an elite club.
“Has he found a team and thinks about taking 10-15 million (£170k-£255k-a/w) because to refuse seven million is crazy for a player like him,” he told BoboTV, via TuttoMercatoWEB. “For me, he is a player who needs one to make 31 and I will be like this forever.
“He doesn’t have the makings of a champion, he is a [Anthony] Martial 2.0. He seems to be beautiful and strong [but] he makes the bench where he goes. If Leao goes to a strong team, he will earn more but will play very little and won’t make a difference.”
Martial joined Manchester United from AS Monaco for £36m, rising to £58m, as a 19-year-old in 2015. He has since offered the Red Devils 85 goals and 52 assists in 283 outings so far. The 27-year-old also only has six goals and two assists over 14 games so far this term.
The post ‘Won’t make a difference’: Arsenal now warned against signing ‘Martial 2.0’ for £80m appeared first on HITC.
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