Exclusive – Arsenal have asked Lille to be kept informed of possible developments regarding the future of Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches, who helped the French club end a decade-long wait for a Ligue 1 title last season and has so far impressed at Euro 2020.
The Gunners are planning a major team squad this summer and are prepared to spend heavily on young developing talent in specifically targeted positions, of which the central midfield is one.
In May 2016, with only 35 first-team clubs under his belt, Sanchez famously received a transfer to Bayern Munich worth up to a staggering 80 million euros, which then looked like smart business as he continued to impress Portugal at Euro 2016 a few weeks later .
Now 23, the Sanches have rebuilt their reputation since Bayern reduced their losses – Lille’s record signing in 2019 – and are once again commanding growing interest in transfers.
It would not be a surprise to see Lille cash this summer and make a profit on their investment of 25 million euros and Sanchez himself is open for his next destination. But well-placed sources close to the player have told 90 minutes that he is ready to prove himself in the Premier League.
Sanches has unfinished business in England after a loan spell at poor Swansea in 2017/18 meant he only played 12 Premier League matches, having already struggled to establish himself in Bayern.
Liverpool, who are looking for a midfielder this summer after Georginio Wijnaldum’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, are believed to have already looked at Sanchez. But 90min understands that he is now also very much on Arsenal’s radar and the Gunners have contacted Lille via intermediaries to ask about his situation and potential price tag.
Renato Sanches has rebuilt his reputation on Lille / John Berry / Getty Images
As part of its recruiting drive, Arsenal are also looking at another Portuguese talent, 22-year-old Sporting CP midfielder Pedro Goncalves. He has filled Bruno Fernande’s shoes at club level in Lisbon and is currently part of Portugal’s squad at Euro 2020.
Gunner’s hierarchy is prepared to support Mikel Arteta for a sum of £ 250 million this summer, on the primary condition that goals are generally younger talents under the age of 25 with the potential to develop and improve, as well as increase value. Sanches and Goncalves both fit that profile.
They initially focus their search on a new goalkeeper, center-back, full-back and two central midfielders. But a number of players are also expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, which could help raise money so more can be targeted.
Arsenal also monitor Pedro Goncalves, who has replaced Bruno Fernandes at Sporting CP / Gualter Fatia / Getty Images
The first signing through the door is increasingly likely to be midfielder Ben White, whose arrival from Brighton could be worth up to £ 50m after additions have been considered.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, Norwich right-back Max Aarons and midfielders Albert Sambi Lokonga, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison from Anderlecht, Brighton and Leicester respectively are also players that Arsenal have looked at.
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