Arsenal are reportedly ready to battle AC Milan for Renato Sanches, who is primed to leave Lille in the summer to join one of the big clubs in the continent.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Renato Sanches could be the subject of a major transfer battle, with a host of clubs vying for his signature. Arsenal and AC Milan are interested in the 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder, although more clubs could be coming in as the summer approaches.
Renato Sanches has truly re-invented himself since signing for Lille from Bayern Munich. During his time with the Ligue 1 club, the midfielder has not only rediscovered his lost form, but was also also key in helping Les Dogues win the Ligue 1 title last season.
While the Portuguese international has maintained his standards this term, Lille have been terrible all season domestically. They are currently in 11th place in the Ligue 1 table and have little hope of qualifying for the Champions League, let alone defending their league crown.
If they fail to qualify for European competition, many key players could leave. There are multiple clubs linked with Sven Botman, Jonathan David, and Renato Sanches. The Portuguese international was destined to move out last summer, only for the club to keep hold of one of their bright stars.
Sanches will have a year left on his deal in the summer, and with the 24-year-old having no intention to extend his stay, it is safe to assume he will be leaving the club. There were rumours of a move in January, but Lille wanted him alongside David and Botman to help them in their Champions League campaign.
Arsenal are expected to be in the chase for Sanches, who confirmed the Gunners’ interest in him around late January. A move in the previous window never happened, but something could transpire in the summer market.
The Gunners have been looking for a new midfielder, as they chased Arthur Melo during the January transfer window without any success. While they are not expected to go back for the Brazilian, the Portuguese international could certainly feature on their radar once more.
Lille are reportedly asking for €30 million, and as the player will be in the last year of his deal, the price tag is not expected to go any higher. That seems to be in Arsenal’s range, as Mikel Arteta could consider the 24-year-old midfielder for his new-look squad.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are also interested and keeping tabs on Sanches’s situation. The Serie A giants could have made a move in January, but they could come back in the summer with an offer. However, Sanches’s price tag may become a problem, although a move is still a strong possibility.
If the Premier League comes calling, a move to the Serie A may be doubtful, although Milan are a big enough club to lure him away. It remains to be seen where Sanches ends up, with AC Milan, Arsenal, and others firmly in the hunt for the 24-year-old Portuguese international.
