Transfer Profile: Leroy Sané


Transfer Profile: Leroy Sané

By Jonny Bray
There was a point in time when Leroy Sané was considered football's next big thing, and with good reason.
Back when he first joined Manchester City from German side Schalke 04, fans and pundits alike were hailing his pace and directness.
He eventually forced a move back to Germany with FC Bayern Munich, despite suffering from serious injuries during his last 12 months in the Premier League.
People expected great things from the winger in the Bundesliga, and at points, he has looked the business.
However, he has been inconsistent and, at worst, underwhelming.
He may not be the same player that set the Premier League on fire when he first arrived.
The Gunners are being linked with him in several newspapers this week.
So, what better time to look at if Arsenal should sign him?
He has been linked with European giants like Real Madrid, so perhaps he won't want to sign for a club outside the Champions League.
But if he does come to north London, he would add some serious quality to the front three.

What would Sané bring to Arsenal?

Sané has lost a yard of pace since his time in Manchester, but is still a serious attacking threat.
He made 32 appearances in the league last season, scoring seven goals and registering as many assists.
To some pundits, that may be disappointing, considering he regularly scored ten goals and grabbed more than ten assists during his early years in the Premier League.
However, his output is still not to be snuffed at, and his dribbling is still as easy on the eye as it ever was.
He would also bring a winning mentality to Arsenal.
The Gunners have plenty of exciting young talents but few players with experience winning elite competitions.
In contrast, Sané has won the biggest trophies everywhere he has been, including the Premier League title and the Bundesliga.

Would he play?

Signing Sané would stifle the progression of Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal have experienced some success bringing through exciting young talents in recent years while signing experienced pros with big reputations and bigger wages has often backfired.
David Luiz and Willian failed in north London, and there is a risk that if Sané doesn't hit the ground running, the Gunners could end up wasting a lot of money. But unlike the Brazilian pair, Sané is still only 26, whereas they were both in their 30s by the time they joined Arsenal.
There is no guarantee he would start every game, considering Arsenal are already so strong on the left wing.
But if he is anywhere near as good as he was while at Manchester City, he would definitely improve the starting 11 and squad.

Conclusion

If Arsenal can sign Sané, then they should.
There would be significant risks, and it would be a shame to stifle the progress of Smith Rowe and Martinelli.
But the German is a proven winner who can make the difference at the highest level of the game.
If Arsenal are going to qualify for the Champions League this season, then those are the type of players that Mikel Arteta will need at his disposal.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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