Arsenal is reportedly setting the stage for a massive transfer move worth around £71 million, eyeing a player seen as an “early Thierry Henry” and viewed as a major upgrade over Leandro Trossard. Despite dropping points against Sunderland last weekend, optimism still runs high among the Gunners’ faithful. Arteta’s side continues to hold firm at the summit of the Premier League, and their second-half display showed real attacking intent and creativity that kept fans hopeful for more.
While Arsenal’s attack looked sharp, their defense still showed cracks, something Arteta will surely address. Trossard, however, remains one of the standout performers, continuing his stellar form with a thunderous long-range strike. Yet, his position in the lineup could soon face serious competition, as reports hint that the club is eyeing an international star who evokes memories of the legendary Thierry Henry.
The club’s transfer focus appears to be locked on improving the left wing — a spot that, despite solid contributions from Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and even Eberechi Eze when called upon, still lacks that top-tier brilliance seen on the right flank with Bukayo Saka and other elite attackers. Arsenal’s management seems to agree that a true world-class winger could take the team’s offensive play to the next level.
Recent reports from Spain suggest that Arsenal’s solution might be Rafael Leão of AC Milan. The North London club is rumored to be preparing an €80 million bid — roughly £71 million — for the Portuguese winger during the winter transfer window. Leão has long been admired by Arteta, but the pursuit won’t come easy, with heavy interest from Chelsea, Manchester City, and multiple clubs in France.
Still, given Leão’s quality and his stylistic resemblance to Thierry Henry, this is the kind of signing Arsenal might have to go all in for — even if it spells reduced minutes, or an eventual exit, for Trossard. The potential rewards outweigh the risks, as the 26-year-old Milan star possesses the kind of flair and explosiveness that could redefine Arsenal’s attack.
Comparing Leão and Trossard statistically tells an interesting story. Last season, Trossard managed two goals and ten assists across 56 games, averaging a goal contribution every 173 minutes. Leão, by contrast, tallied twelve goals and thirteen assists in 50 appearances, with a contribution every 140 minutes. This season, the Portuguese forward has maintained his lead, with six goal involvements in just eight games — roughly one every 78 minutes — while Trossard averages one every 104 minutes.
Beyond numbers, their playing styles mark a clear distinction. Trossard offers technical finesse and tidy link-up play, but Leão brings something wilder — raw pace, strength, and swagger. His ability to pick up the ball deep, glide past defenders, and finish with clinical precision has drawn praise from former Milan boss Stefano Pioli, who once said, “Leão reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry.”
Imagining a player of that caliber donning Arsenal’s red and white once more evokes both nostalgia and excitement. While Trossard deserves credit for his current form, the chance to sign a generational talent like Leão — someone who could help Arsenal end their 20-year league title drought — might simply be too good to ignore.
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