Could Arsenal sign Renato Sanches?

Sanches


By George Wilson

Arsenal now must focus on the Premier League after being knocked out of the League Cup and FA Cup last month.

The Gunners currently sit sixth two points behind Manchester United in fourth but with a game in hand over their rivals in the pursuit of Champions League football.

Despite Arteta’s team having a good chance of Champions League qualification this season it has become clear that the squad lacks bodies in the midfield and if they were to compete in Europe next season the team would need an injection of quality.

This means that Arsenal are likely to sign a midfielder when the summer transfer window opens at the end of the season, and one man that they could pursue is Lille’s Renato Sanches. 


Why Sanches?

Sanches is one of the most sought after midfielders in Europe having helped Lille win the Ligue 1 last season having first broken onto the scene with some impressive displays at Euro 2016 for Portugal.

The former Bayern Munich player can play across the midfield and is known for his ability in possession and his physicality.

At 24 years of age, the versatile midfielder is coming into his prime and his club Lille are in a weak negotiating position as the player’s contract expires at the end of next season.

 

What would he offer Arsenal? 

There is no doubting Sanches’ ability and it is no surprise that Arsenal are monitoring his performances as he is now living up to his early career promise.

Arteta’s side are lacking mobility in midfield and the manager is looking for a potential replacement for Granit Xhaka.

Sanches could be the solution to Arsenal’s midfield but questions still remain over whether he has the defensive discipline needed to star in the Premier League.

His last stint in the Premier League was for Swansea City in 2017-18 where the player looked unsettled and unsuited to the speed of the competition before a hamstring injury curtailed his season.

However, at Lille the midfielder has looked the real deal offering complete performances each week and that would be the player that Arsenal would be signing.

 

RS

Is it likely to happen? 

Sanches looks set to become a world star but any deal would have to be done in the summer transfer window and Arsenal face competition from AC Milan and Liverpool for his signature. 

The Italian club however, are hesitant to match the personal demands of the star midfielder.

Agent Jorge Mendes wants a salary worth €6 million euros per season and a release clause if a Premier League club comes calling. 


Verdict:

This appears to be a deal based on whether Granit Xhaka is deemed surplus to requirements and a suiter can be found for the midfielder.

Arsenal could also face competition from several clubs around Europe including Italian heavyweights AC Milan.

If Arteta does decide that Sanches is the player to bulk up his midfield options then question marks remain over whether he has the defensive capabilities that Arsenal need and that could mean a further dip into the market.

Sanches is an excellent player but the club are being quoted a £46 million fee from Lille and that could mean further sales to match that figure.

This is one to watch and it could have a knock on effect on other transfers.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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