Arsenal face setback in pursuit of Leroy Sane
Arsenal’s pursuit of Leroy Sane looks to have taken a massive blow ahead of the transfer window. The £55million-rated Bayern Munich winger is on Mikel Arteta’s list of targets as the Gunners target world class quality for their wide attacking areas. Nevertheless, despite reports touting Sane with a Premier League comeback, new comments from individuals behind the scenes at Bayern indicate that the 28-year-old may not be going anywhere soon.
Sane, who is out of contract next summer, was also attracting interest from Arsenal, especially due to his previous Premier League experience with Manchester City. With his ability to work on either flank and with a direct and high-tempo game, Sane would have been considered a potential game-changer for the side in North London. Arsenal are also said to be interested in adding more competition in wide areas, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka enjoying mixed success in the 2024/25 campaign.
🚨NEW
Leroy Sane has been offered to Arsenal by Bayern Munich.
Sane's contract renewal with Bayern Munich has not been decided and there is a big gap between the two parties… Bayern wants an answer before the end of the week. pic.twitter.com/VxRTEiBlnL
— Arsenal Team (@_ArsenalTeam) May 15, 2025
Earlier this month, reports said Bayern might sell the winger to avoid losing him for free next summer.
Arsenal were keeping an eye on things, they were preparing an offer in the region of £50-55m supposedly. But recent news from Bayern’s side may have changed the equation altogether.
Bayern director reveals optimism over new deal
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl dismissed Arsenal’s hopes and publicly insisted that Leroy Sane will sign a new deal with the Bundesliga champions. Speaking to German media after Bayern’s final league game of the season, Eberl said, “We’ve had good conversations with Leroy. He knows what he means to this club, and I believe he will extend his stay here.”
The comments represent a huge turnaround from the uncertainty around Sane’s future just weeks ago. Sources close to the club suggest that discussions between Sane’s representatives and Bayern have moved apace this week and now both parties are hopeful a deal can be struck this summer before pre-season begins.
Eberl’s statement has the Bundesliga leaders not pursuing a summer sale. The club are desperate to hold onto their best attacking players, especially with a manager change on the horizon and an exodus expected. Sane was instrumental for Bayern as they made it to the 2024/25 Champions League final, netting 12 times and recording 9 assists in all competitions.
That’s a significant blow to Arsenal. The Gunners had him down as a player who could also improve them and who would have come in and helped push for the title next season. But now that Bayern are standing firm and with the player appearing to be more settled, Arsenal might have to turn their attentions elsewhere.
Author’s Opinion
Neutrally, it does make sense and is logical that Bayern want to keep Leroy Sane. To allow a player of that quality to leave in his prime would constitute a step backwards, particularly in this summer of change. For Sane, now, there is more Champions League football, familiarity and the chance to be a long-term leader in the dressing room at Bayern.
Arsenal however, should use this as an indicator to reconfigure their transfer plans. Sane would have been a statement signing but the potential non-presence of him this summer shouldn’t change anything. The club will have to keep scouring the market for dynamic, wide lift options especially one’s who suit Arteta’s relentlessly high-intensity tactical model. Alternatives like Nico Williams or Pedro Neto would offer comparable profiles and long term upside.
In elite football, timing is everything. Arsenal had good reasons to pursue Leroy Sane, but the clock may have run out. Bayern are in control, and unless talks collapse dramatically, Sane’s future looks increasingly red—and very much German.
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