Arsenal Vs Tottenham: Leao talks and squad questions dominate derby aftermath

In the build-up to arsenal vs tottenham, Arsenal have held initial talks with Rafael Leao’s representatives as they weigh summer options — a development that arrives while the squad takes a week-long break and prepares for a congested March schedule.

Arsenal Vs Tottenham and the week-long break after the derby

The north London fixture came on a Sunday afternoon and left Mikel Arteta’s side with a week-long break to recover after an exhausting winter run of matches every three or four days. The Gunners still hold a narrow lead in the Premier League title race and will use the pause to prepare for a London derby against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, March 1.

That match repeats the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg played earlier this month, which Arsenal won 1-0. March presents a packed agenda: a trip to Brighton, an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Mansfield Town, Champions League last-16 fixtures and a Carabao Cup final against Manchester City all loom.

Initial talks with Rafael Leao and Andrea Berta’s meetings

Arsenal have held initial discussions with Rafael Leao’s representatives as they eye a potential summer move for the AC Milan forward. Sporting director Andrea Berta has met Leao’s representatives face to face, and while Leao has not personally discussed a move, he has instructed his camp to open negotiations over a summer transfer.

Those contacts come as Arsenal step up their pursuit ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window and consider Leao as a primary attacking target for the 2026-27 campaign.

Price tags, interest and Leao’s current form

Leao, 26, has produced 11 goal contributions in 20 matches this season and will have two years remaining on his AC Milan contract this summer. Milan are willing to sanction a sale for a suitable offer and are prepared to accept a fee in the region of €75-80 million. Manchester United are also strongly interested in the 26-year-old, but Arsenal are described as the frontrunners as things stand.

Contract signals at AC Milan and career numbers

There are signs of movement on Leao’s contract at AC Milan. Renewal talks have reportedly ramped up after negotiations began a couple of months earlier, and Leao has sent a clear and precise message to the Milan board about an extension. There is no huge rush to agree terms at present, because he is not due to become a free agent until 2028, but all parties are evaluating the structure of a new deal that could be agreed in the coming months.

Across his Milan career since a 2019 move from Lille, Leao has contributed 79 goals and 64 assists in 280 appearances; in the current campaign he has eight strikes in 18 Serie A games. One coverage of these developments was filed by Ben Knapton on 22 Feb 2026 at 07: 22.

Why Arsenal are scanning left‑wing options and wider targets

Arsenal did not sign an out-and-out left-winger in last summer’s window, and internal options have offered mixed returns. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have shared duties as Mikel Arteta’s preferred left winger this season. Eberechi Eze has struggled to adapt to Arteta’s demands either out wide or in a central role.

Martinelli has 10 goals in cup competitions — including six in the Champions League — but just one goal in the Premier League, and was singled out after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Both Martinelli and Trossard could leave as free agents in 2027; Martinelli’s deal includes a 12-month extension option, but a long-term renewal is uncertain while league form lags.

Other names on Arsenal’s radar and related speculation

Beyond Leao, Arsenal have been linked with several targets. Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito is on the club’s radar and a renewed pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is expected. Other potential options mentioned in coverage include Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and Paris Saint‑Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

Separately, one piece of coverage noted Arsenal were said to have engaged about a possible €80m move for Leao (also referenced as £69. 9m) while another item highlighted Malik Tillman — the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, aged 23, who joined Leverkusen last summer in a £35m transfer from PSV — saying he would love to play for Arsenal and praising the club’s coach, system and style, particularly the contrast between their Premier League and Champions League performances.

Additional headlines in the same news feed

Other headlines running alongside these transfer stories included a shock retirement announcement for Neymar; a report on Julian Alvarez’s next club tied to a €120m Atletico Madrid move; an analysis of Chelsea and Barcelona transfer policy; and speculation that Mikel Arteta may not be at Arsenal next season following another Premier League title collapse.