Manager now says his £60m star is going nowhere despite holding talks with Arsenal

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Arsenal are eager to add to the attack this summer.

So far, Andrea Berta has made additions to the goalkeeping and central midfield departments through the signings of two Spaniards in Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, with the frontline now being assessed.

A prolific No.9 is close to joining as Arsenal near a deal for Viktor Gyokeres, but reinforcements out wide are also wanted, with Noni Madueke agreeing personal terms, although the Gunners are yet to send Chelsea a bid.

Real Madrid No.11 Rodrygo is also on the shortlist, but another wide attacker Arsenal like in Rafael Leao now looks set to stay with AC Milan.

Massimiliano Allegri pours cold water on Rafael Leao to Arsenal

It seems as if Berta can now cross the Portugal international off his list.

It was Foot Mercato who claimed that Arsenal had spoken to Leao about a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, after he fell out of favour at the San Siro towards the end of last season.

Now, however, a new manager is at the helm in Massimiliano Allegri, and it sounds like the Italian has big plans for the AC Milan No.10 next term.

Football Italia quote the 57-year-old as saying: “I’m sure Leao will have a great season.

“I believe in him. He’s reaching his peak years as players usually hit maturity between 26 and 30. I think he’s becoming more responsible. I spoke to him this morning and I believe everything’s in place for a great season.”

Leao – who is valued at £60m – scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions last season.

Arsenal can kill two birds with one stone by signing Rodrygo instead of Noni Madueke or Rafael Leao

There is no denying Leao is a top player, but more doors would be unlocked for Arteta tactically if Arsenal sign Rodrygo instead, so missing out on the AC Milan talisman is not the worst development.

Leao has almost exclusively played on the left throughout his career – making 205 appearances on that wing compared to just three on the right.

There is a similar issue with Madueke, who has played 156 games on the right, but just 11 on the left.

Rodrygo, however, boasts 78 appearances on the left and 146 on the right, along with 83 games as a central striker, so his versatility is surely appealing to Arteta and Berta.