Arsenal are interested in AC Milan's Rafael Leao (Image: Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images)
Arsenal have a week-long break to cool off following Sunday afternoon's north London derby against Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta's side will get a rare chance to recover after an exhausting winter schedule that has seen them play matches every three or four days. The Gunners, who still hold a narrow lead in the Premier League title race, will use this period to prepare for another difficult London derby against Chelsea on Sunday, March 1.
The game at the Emirates Stadium is a repeat of the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg fixture played earlier this month, which Arsenal won 1-0. It marks a crucial point in their season, with a trip to Brighton, an FA Cup fifth-round encounter at Mansfield Town, Champions League last-16 ties and a Carabao Cup final against Manchester City all looming in March.
Now, football.london brings you the latest developments involving the Gunners.
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Arsenal have reportedly held initial discussions with Rafael Leao's representatives over a possible summer move. The Gunners have been linked with the AC Milan star for several years, with the club eager to sign a world-class left winger this summer.
Football Transfers claims sporting director Andrea Berta has ramped up his pursuit by holding face-to-face talks with the Portugal international's representatives. Leao has yet to discuss a potential move to Arsenal, but has instructed his agents to explore a summer transfer.
The 26-year-old will have two years remaining on his contract at AC Milan when the season ends. The Serie A side would entertain offers for the winger if a suitable offer comes in, understood to be in the region of £70m.
Arsenal are currently the frontrunners to secure Leao's signature despite Manchester United's interest.
Malik Tillman has sung Arsenal's praises(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Bayer Leverkusen star Malik Tillman recently voiced his desire for a future move to Arsenal. The talented attacking midfielder, 23, only completed his £35m transfer from PSV to the German club last summer, though it appears he could already be tempted by the prospect of a big move to north London.
When asked to name his favourite Premier League side, USA international Tillman told Bleacher Report Football: "It's a tough one. I don't have a favourite team. But if there's one club I would love to play for, it's Arsenal."
Explaining his reason, the former Bayern Munich youth team star continued: "One thing is the way they play now. I think they have a great coach, they have a great system, and I think I would fit into it."
Tillman was even asked about the criticism of Arsenal's style of play, to which he replied: "Obviously, they score a lot of goals from set-pieces, but that's also a part of the game. If you watch them in the Champions League, it's a different style of play.
"The Premier League has also changed a little bit in the way teams play against them or play in general. So obviously, they have to adapt. But if you watch the Champions League games, it's a different Arsenal."
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