It is the worst kept secret of the January transfer window that Arsenal are exploring every possible available midfielder to try and reinforce the centre of the park.
The most discussed have been Bruno Guimares and Arthur Melo, but Allegri made it clear that the Juventus man is not going anywhere, and Bruno is likely to be very expensive indeed and the rumours seem to have fizzled out.
But one Arsenal target for that position, Lille’s Renato Sanches, has made it very clear recently that he is ready and waiting for a deal to be done. Speaking to L’Equipe, Sanches said: “Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested but I don’t know. I spoke with my agent, I know which clubs are calling me but I can’t say right now. But I know I’m ready. If an offer comes in, I’ll find out what’s best for me.”
The fact is that with just 18 months left on his contract with Lille, and reports are saying that the 24 year-old is not interested in signing an extension as he is looking for the next step in his career, so the Ligue 1 club will be forced into a sale now or in the summer.
Hopefully it is this week and as he seems to like the idea of the Premier League, we hope he chooses Arsenal.
He is at the perfect age to join Mikel Arteta’s ‘young but experienced’ project…
Watch Mikel Arteta talk about Burnley and the pressure on the race for Top Four
A much better option than many of the others who have been mentioned.
He looked to be Portugal’s most capable midfielder in the Euros and would certainly improve Arsenal’s midfield.He also knows exactly what to expect when playing in the EPL so would be able to adapt quicker than most other imports.
I wonder whether Lille would be interested in doing an exchange for a returned Pepe?!
Ranato is the best among all the midfielders we are linked with. He has pace, he can tackle, dribble and has an eye for a pass.
We can get him on loan with option to buy.
Didn’t pull up any trees at Swansea or Bayern. Part of that Portuguese team that play such drab football considering the talent available. Gives the ball away very cheaply still.
It has been claimed that he is much older than stated.
No brainer, good all round player who would bring quality and dynamism to our midfield,has previous Premier league experience so adaptation wouldn’t be a problem. Midfield trio of Sanchez Partey Odegaard/ESR will be solid.
I like arsenal as my team but it disappoints when it comes to acquiring quality players.
Let’s buy players who love arsenal like Sanchez quickly, add Ben Diaz as a striker and we are ready to go.Lets hurry because once man u is a head of us, referees will never allow Arsenal go past them.
A poor man’s Oxlade Chamberlain.
Renato Sanches is a good midfielder, one of the very best, Arsenal have been linked with. Go for him.
If arteta is blind let him continue pursuing his other options