AC Milan director Tare breaks the silence — but Arsenal talks with Leao’s camp are already underway. Meanwhile, PSG, Atletico Madrid, and RB Leipzig circle Martinelli.
By London Daily Post Sports Desk • April 2026 •
What Is Happening Right Now
Arsenal are in early but genuine talks over a €80m move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. AC Milan director Igli Tare publicly said on 6 April that Leao is ‘very important’ to the club — but that statement signals tough negotiation, not a refusal to sell.
At the same time, Arsenal has set a £50m price tag on Gabriel Martinelli. PSG have formally enquired. Atletico Madrid, Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Marseille are all monitoring.
Arsenal’s Position: Premier League Table
Arsenal lead the table by nine points — giving the club the financial confidence and commercial leverage to execute a summer window of real ambition.
| # | Club | Pts | W/D/L | Form |
| 1 | Arsenal FC 🔴 | 70 | 21 / 7 / 3 | W W W D W |
| 2 | Manchester City | 61 | 18 / 7 / 5 | W L W W D |
| 3 | Manchester United | 55 | 15 / 10 / 6 | D W L W W |
| 4 | Aston Villa | 54 | 16 / 6 / 9 | W W D L W |
Source: Official Premier League data — April 2026
Gabriel Martinelli: End of an Era
Why Arsenal Are Ready to Sell
Martinelli has managed just one Premier League goal since September. With Eze, Madueke, and Trossard all ahead of him in the pecking order, regular starts are no longer guaranteed.
Arsenal are willing to listen to offers. The club will not trigger his contract extension option, which runs until 2027.
His Season in Numbers
Despite the domestic struggles, Martinelli has delivered in Europe — six Champions League goals and one assist in 2025/26. He also scored a hat-trick against Portsmouth in the FA Cup in January 2026.
Who Wants Him
PSG made a formal enquiry this week, according to French outlet Media Foot, eyeing him as a backup if their pursuit of Julian Alvarez stalls.
Atletico Madrid is interested in a potential double deal involving Gabriel Jesus. Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig (as a Yan Diomande replacement), Marseille, and Al-Nassr are all tracking the situation.
MediaFoot (April 2026): ‘It is considered a certainty Martinelli will leave the Gunners this summer, regardless of whether Arsenal win the Premier League.’
AC Milan Director Breaks Silence on Leao
What Tare Actually Said
Speaking ahead of Milan’s 1-0 defeat to Napoli on 6 April, Tare told reporters: ‘We seem to talk about Leao every week. Rafa has two years left on his contract, and he is very important for us. This season, he has suffered from injuries.’
London Daily Post Analysis: What Those Words Really Mean
In football’s transfer language, ‘very important’ is not a rejection. It is the opening move in a price negotiation. Tare confirmed the contract length — two years — which is precisely the level of leverage that invites a serious offer.
Milan’s financial pressures are real. An €80m fee would be transformative for their own summer recruitment. The door is not closed — it is simply priced.
Milan’s Willingness to Sell
FootballTransfers confirmed that Milan are prepared to accept €75–80m for Leao this summer. His contract includes a €150m release clause, but Milan are no longer insisting that the full figure be triggered.
Why Leao Is Arteta’s First Choice
The Tactical Fit
Arteta’s 4-3-3 demands a wide forward who can beat defenders 1v1, hold the ball in tight spaces, and press high. Leao’s technical profile fits those demands more naturally than any alternative currently being discussed.
His 2025/26 Stats vs Martinelli
| Player | Goals | Assists | Apps | Value |
| Rafael Leao | 10 | 2 | 24 | €75-80m |
| G. Martinelli | 11 | 5 | 42 | £50m |
Source: DataMB / FootballTransfers — all competitions, 7 April 2026
Arsenal’s Competitive Edge Over Man United
Manchester United is also interested. But Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already held face-to-face talks with Leao’s representatives — a step United have not yet taken. FootballTransfers describes Arsenal as the ‘frontrunners’ as of this week.
Leao himself has told his camp to engage in negotiations over a potential move. Multiple sources confirm he has long wanted to play in the Premier League.
Backup Options If Leao Stays
Anthony Gordon — Newcastle United
22 goal contributions in 45 games this season. Arsenal are reportedly ready to submit an opening bid. Newcastle are reluctant sellers but may allow two or three departures this summer.
Rodrygo — Real Madrid
Valued at approximately £52m. Recommended to Arsenal by sources in Spain, but Real Madrid has shown no public willingness to sell.
Bradley Barcola — PSG
On Arsenal’s internal shortlist, but Fabrizio Romano has noted PSG president Al-Khelaifi views Barcola as untouchable.
How Arsenal Funded This Deal
The Outgoings First
A Martinelli sale at £50m and Gabriel Jesus at £30m generate up to £80m before a Leao bid is submitted. That clears Arsenal’s FFP headroom significantly.
Champions League Money Helps
Guaranteed CL football in 2026/27 — regardless of the title result — brings substantial prize money and commercial uplift. The finances make this window Arsenal’s most viable ever for a signing at this scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leao definitely leaving AC Milan?
Not confirmed. Tare says he is ‘very important,’ but Milan is privately open to a sale at €75-80m. Arsenal talks with Leao’s representatives are ongoing.
What is Martinelli’s asking price?
Arsenal want £50m. Barcelona were told a minimum of €45m is required. PSG and Atletico Madrid are the most concrete suitors currently.
Who else is competing for Leao?
Manchester United are the main rivals. Chelsea and City have been linked previously, but are not active in the race as of 7 April 2026.
When will this transfer be decided?
The summer window opens on 1 July 2026. Arsenal are expected to finalise Martinelli’s exit first, then formally approach Milan. Expect developments in May and June.
What is Arsenal’s current league position?
Arsenal lead the Premier League with 70 points from 31 games — nine clear of Manchester City with seven matches remaining.
