Rafael Leao sends subtle Arsenal transfer hint in two-word message

Rafael Leao has uploaded a two-word message to social media which includes a subtle Arsenal reference. The Gunners signing a wide forward is one of many aims in the summer transfer window with their first two signings wrapped up.

Deals for Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga have been agreed with the latter's £5million release clause activated recently. Last week, Zubimendi was in London to complete the final details of his move from Real Sociedad with official confirmation expected to arrive in July.

Negotiations for Christian Noorgard of Brentford have also taken place with it looking inevitable he joins as a replacement for Thomas Partey. According to the Athletic's David Ornstein, the Denmark international is close to agreeing a move.

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Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta can then look to bolstering Arsenal's attacking ranks with one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres expected to arrive. Nico Williams is the dream winger signing for the Gunners boss but that now appears unattainable as he has agreed personal terms with Barcelona.

Rodrygo of Real Madrid has also been strongly linked with reports in Spain claiming he could be sold for a number of reasons. One of those is so Xabi Alonso has the funds to sign a new central midfielder and that would certainly be possible with £76.7million (€90m) as Rodrygo's asking price.

That is quite a significant amount of money and thus alternatives have been drawn up. Jamie Gittens, Ademola Lookman and Rafael Leao have all been considered with Berta even speaking to the latter directly last month.

A departure from AC Milan does not look likely but no European football next season could see his stance change especially if the Gunners formalise a pursuit. It has been claimed that it would likely cost £85.3million (€100m) to sign him.

While that is a sizeable fee, Arsenal are unlikely to have any huge problems in convincing the Portugal to join with that evidenced by a recent Instagramstory. Alongside the caption, "Dump soon," Leao is pictured wearing a black T-shirt with Thierry Henry plastered over the front.

The decision to wear that certainly suggests he looks up to the Arsenal icon and that emulating his success in north London could be a desire of his. A potential secret weapon for the 26-year-old could also be in play with Declan Rice pictured enjoying a pre-season camp alongside Leao before his own switch to Arsenal.

It will likely be a move planned for later in the trading period though as the striker situation becomes the focus with two central midfielders and a goalkeeper set to arrive.