Arsenal are on red alert after it has emerged that their transfer target Renato Sanches has reportedly confirmed he is ready to leave Lille.
According to SportItalia, the French champions have now approached Sanches to offer him a new contract. However, the 24-year-old has put talks on hold because he is ready for a new adventure.
The Gunners are on the lookout for a midfielder in this transfer window and in the summer, due to a shortage of players in the middle of the park.
Mikel Arteta's side has been heavily linked with the Portuguese international in the past, and now they have an additional boost to pursue a deal.
Arsenal are 'very interested' in signing the Lille midfielder, according to recent reports. French outlet Le10sport claims that the Gunners have made their interest in Sanches known to the player, the club, and his representatives.
The interest seems to be reciprocated as the midfielder made it clear that he was aware of the acknowledgement from Edu.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Sanches said: “Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested but I don’t know. I spoke with my agent, I know which clubs are calling me but I can’t say right now. But I know I’m ready. If an offer comes in, I’ll find out what’s best for me.”
Arsenal are in desperate need of a midfielder, not only due to a shortage in that position but also because there is a lack of quality alongside Thomas Partey.
Albert Sambi Lokonga is equipped with bags of potential, but the recent defeat against Liverpool proved that Arsenal need more composure in the centre of midfield.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka may bring composure into the team, but his frequency of being sent off makes him a player you cannot always rely on.
Edu has made it clear that the midfield position will be addressed with the pursuit for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, as according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the players’ agent Federico Pastorello has travelled to the English capital to outline his client's desire to join the Gunners.
Despite this, Sanches would be the better option as Arsenal have lacked a goalscoring midfielder from deep and he would certainly fill that void if given the opportunity.
He has elements to Aaron Ramsey in his game, the way he is able to glide from one box to the other and he is pretty impressive in front of goal.
Thanks to his recent contract stance, the Gunners could also potentially sign him on a cut-price deal.
Make sure you have subscribed to The Arsenal Way and the Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Arsenal content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews.
