Renato Sanches has proved to Mikel Arteta why he would be the perfect midfield signing in the summer transfer window in order to improve the midfield.
The Portuguese international came up against Chelsea in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday evening and had an excellent performance.
Despite being on the losing team, Sanches was still the standout player for Lille throughout the match and was arguably the best midfielder on the pitch.
Performances such as these should persuade Edu to make a move for the 24-year-old who is set to be available for a transfer in the summer.
There has been a lot of doubts over the signing of Sanches in the past, due to his poor loan spell at Swansea in 2018, which was epitomised by a dreadful performance at Stamford Bridge.
However, his return to the stadium four years later has shown the maturity and the development he has gone through, which makes him ready for a full-time return to England.
The Lille midfielder currently has one of the best ball-carrying tendencies in Europe highlighting his confidence and bravery to turn defence into attack in a swift manner.
There is an extra incentive to sign him because according to SportItalia , the French champions approached Sanches to offer him a new contract. However, the 24-year-old put talks on hold because he is ready for a new adventure.
And this adventure could be Arsenal, which he confirmed himself as 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.”
The intrigue at a potential deal is also reciprocated as 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.
And his performance against Chelsea on Tuesday evening further highlighted why Arsenal have been persuing as the enforcer role he played had shades of N'Golo Kante and Fernandinho to his play.
Arsenal have lacked a goalscoring midfielder from deep and Sanches would certainly fill that void if given the opportunity.
He also 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.
Mikel Arteta will be even more welcoming of him if Edu was able to secure his signature, due to the desire shown to join the club.
Tuesday night proved that Sanches is a player that Arsenal should definitely be looking to sign in the summer transfer window.
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