Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing LOSC Lille midfielder Renato Sanches, who is also a transfer target for Barcelona.
According to a report from Spanish publication AS, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are contesting for the signature of Lille and Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches but will face competition from La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.
After a torrid spell at Bayern Munich, Sanches has managed to revive his career since joining Lille in 2019. The Portuguese international has become a key member of the team and helped them pull off a shock Ligue 1 title victory last season. Following that, he even had a decent enough campaign with the national team at the Euros.
Sanches was linked with a host of clubs this past summer. The 24-year-old himself admitted that he was close to signing for Barcelona until an injury derailed the move. However, having failed to land the ex-Benfica starlet earlier this year, the Catalans have continued keeping tabs on the midfielder.
The Blaugrana have seen the rise of young midfielders like Gavi and Nico Gonzalez this season while they also have Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Riqui Puig as options for the centre of the pitch. However, Puig has been linked with an exit in January, while Pedri has struggled with injuries in the current season.
So, adding someone like Sanches could make sense, especially considering he would offer something different to the current crop of midfielders at Camp Nou. However, Barcelona are now set to face competition from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of the Portuguese international.
Arsenal are in the market for a new central midfielder amid concerns over Thomas Partey’s inconsistent form. In addition, Mohamed Elneny is in the final year of his contract at the club and is being linked with an exit in the January transfer window. His departure would leave a hole in the squad, leaving just Partey, Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga as the only frontline options in midfield.
So, the Gunners could certainly do with someone of Sanches’ ilk in their ranks, although they will need to stave off Tottenham for his signing. The Lilywhites could be set to part ways with some of their midfielders soon, with the futures of both Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele far from secure. Giovani Lo Celso’s form and fitness issues are also a reason for worry for the north London outfit.
So, a player for Sanches’ qualities can be a handy asset for Antonio Conte & co. with his ability to play multiple roles in midfield and physicality. With Barcelona and Arsenal also in the hunt for his signing ahead of the January window, along with Tottenham, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this transfer battle.
