Arsenal are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich’s wily winger Leroy Sane, with the north London club assessing avenues to go down in the midst of an unlikely title charge.
What’s the word?
Talking to CaughtOffside, esteemed transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano recently said that Bayern have no intention of selling the 26-year-old, who has been an offensive focal point in Germany since his £54.8m move from Manchester City in 2020.
And despite interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, no deal has come anywhere close to being forged.
Arsenal, while also some distance away from entering negotiations with the German giants, hold an advantage in manager Mikel Arteta’s previous association with City, when Sane was at the club.
Regardless, a mammoth bid would certainly be required to prise him away from Bayern clutches.
The reporter said: "There has been some speculation, but there are no talks between Bayern and Arsenal for Sane as of today. I don’t see Bayern selling Sane in January unless a crazy bid arrives."
Dream Saka partner
Sane would be a signing of genuine title-chasing intent, an addition to the hungry pack that would likely cement the current position at the forefront of the Premier League, such is the calibre of player.
With Bukayo Saka Arsenal’s coveted asset on the offensive front, placing Sane into the fray would add a new dimension to the attack, providing quality to bounce off the young Englishman and create devastating transitions down both flanks.
Ranking in the top percentile for totals shots, the top 12% for dribbles completed, and within the top 10% for progressive passes received, when compared to positional peers across the past year, as per FBref, Sane is a vibrant tool, capable of providing a wealth of techniques to unlock defences and terrorise goalkeepers, both with direct assault and auxiliary support.
At Man City, the 50-cap star flourished, forming a devastating triad alongside Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling and winning five major honours, including two Premier League titles.
And during his stay he recorded 39 goals and 46 assists in 135 outings, emerging as one of the hottest offensive prospects in the division.
Should Arsenal forge ahead with a move, such feats could be emulated once more on English soil; the Gunners, sitting atop the league table at present, are free-flowing and have only been outscored by City this term.
With the likes of Saka scoring five goals and registering six assists already for the Gunners this term, adding Sane, who could alleviate the workload, would possibly complete the final piece of the puzzle as the club searches for major silverware once again.
It might take a lucrative fee, with Bayern reportedly demanding £60m for his signature, but he would be worth every penny and would likely make an instant impact on the soaring season.
It might be difficult, but Gunners owner Stan Kroenke should break the bank and present Bayern with an offer they can't refuse for the “unbelievable” star, as lauded by Bavarian boss Julian Nagelsmann, forming a formidable partnership with Saka on the flanks.
And with Arteta at the helm, having already signed Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from the Citizens this summer, Sane would have the perfect platform to integrate into the side, with the tantalising prospect of spearheading a new era at the Emirates Stadium.