Liverpool are leading Arsenal in the race to sign Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches, tipped to leave LOSC Lille in the summer.
Italian football journalist Rudy Galetti has offered an update on the future of LOSC Lille midfielder Renato Sanches. It appears his agent Jorge Mendes is keen on taking him away from France, with Liverpool apparently leading the race for his signature.
Arsenal, Milan and Juventus are among the other clubs interested in Sanches, but Liverpool are the favourites. The LOSC Lille midfielder is currently topping the club’s list for potential replacements for Georginio Wijnaldum, who joined Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the summer.
The Dutchman’s departure from Anfield has left a massive void in Liverpool’s midfield unit. Jurgen Klopp is determined to fill that hole by bringing in a talent like Sanches, who has managed to revive his career following a disappointing spell at Bayern Munich.
The midfielder has indeed been highly successful under Christoph Galtier, who also has left Lille. His ball progression, physicality and ability to drift past defenders have earned him plaudits throughout Europe. His recent performances for Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2020 further raised his stock, with the player said to be valued at around €40 million.
Sanches himself may have unfinished business in England, having previously failed to impress at Swansea City. However, Liverpool aren’t the only potential destination, with Arsenal also ready to invest in the Portuguese international.
The 23-year-old appears to have been identified as a potential replacement for Martin Odegaard at Emirates, as Mikel Arteta scours the market for a number ten. The Gunners have already missed out on Emiliano Buendia to Aston Villa, forcing the club to look elsewhere.
A fee of €40 million might be reasonable for a player whose style of play is tailor-made for the physically astute nature of the Premier League. At the age of 23, Sanches has time on his side as well and can prove to be a smart long-term investment.
Not to mention, the former Bayern Munich starlet can play in a variety of roles in midfield. It should appease coaches like Arteta and Klopp as they are posed with the challenge of rotating their squad week in week out in response to the more hectic footballing schedule.
Liverpool are scouting other options, though, including Atletico Madrid’s star player Saul Niguez. The Spaniard’s experience and pedigree at the highest level of football makes him a far more attractive option, although the Reds might have to spend a fortune to secure his services. As things stand, though, they seem to be ahead of Arsenal and other suitors in pursuit of Sanches.
