Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could welcome a game-changing attacker without spending a penny this summer. A superstar talent is poised to enter the free agent market unless contract talks suddenly spur into life over the coming weeks, and the Gunners are reportedly positioning themselves to capitalise.
Arteta's record of recruiting players he worked with previously could do with some improvement. None of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko or Raheem Sterling have pulled up trees in north London despite impressing at Manchester City, where Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant. But Leroy Sane is an altogether different prospect, with his pace and trickery striking fear into defenders during his four years at the Etihad.
Not deterred by his questionable track record, Arteta is reportedly weighing up the possibility of reuniting with Sane this summer. According to Bild, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in the German international, who is yet to open talks over an extension at Bayern Munich.
Sane scored 39 goals in 135 games for City, with whom he won two league titles and three domestic cups. The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer at Bayern, too, hitting double figures across all competitions in each of his four completed seasons.
As a rapid left-footer who plays off the right, Sane could add a brand new element to Arsenal's attack. His preferred position would put him in direct competition with Bukayo Saka, but there would still be plenty of opportunities to play in cup competitions, and he can also deputise on the left, where the Gunners' need for extra options is greater.
Questions have been asked of starting left-winger Gabriel Martinelli this season. And neither Leandro Trossard nor Sterling managed to truly stamp their authority on the position while Martinelli was out injured in recent weeks.
Although Sane would not command a transfer fee, his seniority and experience, combined with the fact he could be available as a free agent, means he would likely occupy a large space on the wage bill.
How that fits into Arsenal's broader financial plan for the summer remains to be seen. Incoming sporting director Andrea Berta is expected to spend big on a much-needed midfield revamp and a new option up top.
Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes and Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi are both believed to be on his wish list, while Alexander Isak, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have been linked with the centre-forward vacancy.