Arsenal have been linked with a summer transfer for Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane. The 29-year-old has also been offered to the Gunners’ North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, with the German’s contract expiring at the end of June.
According to Mike McGrath, Bayern are still in negotiations with their player, but the two parties have yet to reach an agreement. Sane's agent has begun exploring options in case a deal cannot be reached.
Mikel Arteta is said to be keen to bolster his attacking options this summer, but a striker is thought of as the priority target after the club completes a £51 million deal for Martin Zubimendi.
Vavel explores how the attacker would fit in at Arsenal.
Leroy Sane is a name that many Premier League fans will be familiar with. The German forward began his career at boyhood club Schalke before making a big-money move to Manchester City in 2016.
Pep Guardiola utilised Sane 135 times before the attacker moved on to pastures new in 2020. Sane’s electrifying pace and dribbling made him a tough opponent for many full-backs, including Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin, when the winger found the back of the net in a 3-0 demolition of the Gunners in 2018.
Leroy Sane of
Leroy Sane of Manchester City in action during the FA Community Shield match between Liverpool and Manchester City (Credit: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages).
Mikel Arteta is also familiar with the forward, having served as Guardiola’s assistant during Sane’s stint in Manchester. The winger arguably had his best years when the current Arsenal manager was at the Citizens.
Sane’s ability to operate as a winger or an inside forward on either flank makes him a valuable asset to any club. With Bukayo Saka sustaining a lengthy injury this season, the Gunners could certainly utilise some more cover for their ‘star boy’.
Would Sane be the right profile for the Gunners?
Mikel Arteta, and formerly Edu, often emphasise the need to find the right profiles when signing players. For example, the club has been hesitant to sign a striker, especially as a world-class improvement on Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz would likely cost in excess of £50 million.
Sane would provide competition and cover for not only Bukayo Saka, but also Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Arteta values versatility and has often used his squad in multiple positions. In fact, it is extremely rare for an Arteta signing not to have been utilised in a variety of roles.
The Gunners have often been accused of lacking the cutting edge necessary to win games this season. The stats also back this up; Arsenal drew 14 Premier League matches, the second most in the Premier League. If Arsenal could have turned a few of those stalemates into victories, they could have proven a tougher challenger to Liverpool. Sane would allow for Arteta’s men to be more clinical from wide positions, with the winger recording double digits for goals in seven of his last eight campaigns.
Sane makes financial sense
The potential signing of Sane would make financial sense for the Gunners. Although he would likely command a significant wage, Arsenal would avoid having to pay a large transfer fee, something the club would have to commit to if they were to pursue other targets such as Nico Williams.
This would allow sporting director Andrea Berta to complete a deal for a striker, arguably Arsenal’s priority target. Berta would have significantly more funds at his disposal if the club completed a deal for Sane instead of the club’s other rumoured targets.
However, it is worth mentioning that Arsenal are in one of the best financial positions in the Premier League. The club is expected to have significant funds to play with in the upcoming transfer window. Martin Zubimendi’s incoming arrival has exemplified that the Gunners are not afraid to splash the cash when needed.
Although Sane would be a financially sound signing, the club may have the funds to sign a younger profile who suits Arteta’s long-term vision.