Arsenal could hold an interest in Leroy Sane this summer transfer window...

What's the word?

That's according to Express journalist Ryan Taylor, who claims that the Bayern Munich winger is a realistic target for the Gunners as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta's wide options.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, he said:

"Sane is an interesting one because we haven’t seen the same Sane we saw at City at Bayern, so whether that means he could become available, I don’t know.

"It would be fair to assume Arsenal would be interested in a player of his quality, he’s world-class on his day and he’s Premier League proven, so I do think he’s the kind of player they’ll be looking at, but nothing concrete at the moment as far as I’m aware."

Earlier this month, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs also revealed that the 26-year-old was a target for Arsenal before they tried to sign Raphinha from Leeds United.

Arteta can forget Raphinha

A move for Sane, who cost Bayern around £55m, could certainly make sense for the north London giants this window, though technical director Edu Gaspar will need to act quick as we're less than five weeks away from deadline day.

Given his past experience in the Premier League with Manchester City, where he won two titles, the Germany international could be the perfect alternative to Raphinha, who instead sealed his dream move to LaLiga outfit Barcelona.

During his four years at the Etihad Stadium, Sane delivered a whopping 25 goals and 32 assists across 90 top-flight appearances, meaning he averaged one goal contribution every 106 minutes (almost one each outing), via Transfermarkt.

The one-time PFA Young Player of the Year has continued his fine form at Bayern, where he has provided 24 goals and 27 assists in 89 matches.

“He’s shown in the last few weeks what a great player he is. He plays with an ease – that’s impressive," once claimed his former boss at the Allianz Arena, Hansi Flick.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe in the last year, the German sensation is evidently one of the best in the game right now. He ranks inside the top 1% for shots taken (3.99 per 90), the top 4% for non-penalty expected goals (0.44 per 90) and the top 6% for pass completion, via FBref.

With moves for Raphinha and even Serge Gnabry, who signed a contract extension recently, out of the picture, it would make sense for the Brazilian supremo to turn his attention to Sane.

AND in other news, Dharmesh Sheth drops £200m transfer claim at Arsenal...