Arsenal are reportedly in contention to sign 24-year-old LOSC Lille starlet Renato Sanches, who is set to cost around €30 million.
A recent report from Calciomercato has offered an update on the future of Renato Sanches. The LOSC Lille starlet is increasingly likely to quit the Ligue 1 club in search of a new adventure. And in a recent interview, the player has confirmed the interest from AC Milan and Arsenal while insisting he is prepared to consider offers regarding a move away from Lille.
The report suggests AC Milan are in the front row to sign Sanches, thanks to their excellent relationship with Lille. However, the reigning French champions are unlikely to let the 24-year-old go for cheap and value him at around €30 million.
Formerly of Bayern Munich, Sanches has enjoyed immense success since joining Lille in the summer of 2019. During his two-and-a-half-year spell at the club, the midfielder has racked up 79 competitive appearances, establishing himself as one of the most gifted players in the team. His contributions last season were particularly important in helping Lille famously win the Ligue 1 title, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
The 24-year-old has made an impression at the international stage as well, notably making an impression in UEFA Euro 2020, despite Portugal’s early elimination. And his performances have not gone unnoticed either, with Arsenal and Milan among the clubs in contention to snap him up in January or in the summer. Reports suggest even Liverpool could be involved in the equation, with Jurgen Klopp being a huge admirer.
However, Renato Sanches’s reported €30 million price tag might leave a club like Arsenal hesitant. Although Mikel Arteta is keen on making midfield reinforcements in January, the club’s spending spree in the summer means they are not in a position to splash the cash this month.
Arsenal have recently been linked with a loan move for Arthur Melo, but it appears Juventus have no intention of loaning out their star midfielder. The North Londoners have not had much luck pursuing other alternatives as well, including Brazilian starlet Danilo.
Sanches, to that end, might have been an ideal target for Arteta. But with Lille unwilling to sell the 24-year-old anything less than the €30 million mark, the Gunners may have to rely on player sales if they are to afford the Portuguese international, who is more than prepared to take the next step in his career.
