Rafael Leao gets Arsenal fans excited with social media activity amid transfer links

AC Milan star Rafael Leao has set Arsenal fans' pulses racing by posing for a photo in a Thierry Henry t-shirt. The shirt, which the Portugal international shared to his Instagram stories, includes photos of Henry in Gunners kit during the French forward's long and successful stint in North London.

The Gunners have been linked with new recruits on the left flank, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo mentioned as a potential option. Leao has also been linked, with reports of secret talks between him and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, and fans have read a lot into his social media activity.

"Should be a great plot twist. Please God," one fan wrote on social media. "Please sign him, he is five steps ahead of Rodrygo," wrote another.

"First was [Viktor] Gyokeres, now it's Rafael Leao posting himself in a Thierry Henry top. #14 is ready for him," was the verdict from a third.

Not everyone was so quick to jump to conclusions, though. As one fan put it: "Every top player loves Henry in some way. Please don’t delude yourself into thinking the Leao pic is anything more than a pic."

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Milan's Serie A struggles have prompted increased speculation about what might lie ahead for Leao. The Rossoneri won't play in Europe next season following an eighth-place finish, but the 25-year-old recently offered fans cause for some optimism.

"I have always followed Milan, even before joining the team. It is one of the most important clubs in the world," he told L'Officiel (via Tribuna). "For a player like me, money and trophies will always be an option, but it's not about fortune or success, it's about heart."

The upcoming season is one of change for Milan, with Max Allegri returning as manager. Igli Tare has also joined the club as sporting director, and the Albanian has already been asked about the future of stars including Leao.

“I think Leao is a true champion: few in today’s football decide matches on their own," Tare told reporters (as translated by Sempre Milan). "He is a fundamental player for our team but also for our project.

“I had the opportunity, and so did the coach, to speak seriously with him and I had a nice surprise: from the outside you may have a different opinion but when you get to know him you find a very competitive guy, his questions were about how the team will be strengthened.

“I consider him an important pawn in our project: he has everything to become a true champion. He has always shown it but I think he hasn’t shown what he really can yet. Offers? We haven’t received anything yet: the interests are all market rumours.”

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