Lille President Olivier Letang now wants to sell Renato Sanches during the summer transfer window, according to Le10 Sport, amid interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Letang is prepared to weaken Christophe Galtier’s squad at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, despite Les Dogues competing in the Champions League next season. He believes now is the right time to move the Portugal dynamo on, with several big European outfits interested.
The Ligue 1 champions could even agree a deal for Sanches to leave in a matter of weeks. Although a route to Barcelona is currently shut off, as the La Liga giants have to sell players before they can even contemplate targeting the central midfielder.
Duncan Castles had recently claimed on the Transfer Window Podcast that Barcelona were considering a loan-to-buy approach. It would seem them rival Arsenal and Tottenham for Sanches, who Le10 Sport note have a strong admiration this summer.
The Gunners’ position has also been backed up by the Daily Mail, who believe he is Mikel Arteta’s top James Maddison alternative. 90min, too, claim Arsenal like Sanches and have asked Lille to keep them updated on his situation.
Arsenal could make a move for Sanches now, then, with Lille President Letang seeking a summer transfer for his star. The 23-year-old would offer Arteta a combative presence in his engine room, willing to carry possession up the pitch and win the ball back in his own half.
The 30-cap international also has an eye for the right pass and knows when to shoot in the final-third. Even if he only ended the last Ligue 1 campaign with one goal and three assists for his efforts. Sanches also failed to score or assist for Portugal at Euro 2020 this summer.
Letang offers Arsenal and Tottenham hope of Sanches deal with Lille
Letang has certainly offered Arsenal and Tottenham hope of agreeing a transfer with Lille for Sanches. Le10 Sport’s report shows the Dogues chief is happy for the midfielder to leave while his stock is high.
Previously, Fabrizio Romano only claimed the Stade Pierre Mauroy side were prepared to let him go, in general. But, now, Letang is actively encouraging bids for a player Romano adds also wants to leave Lille. Giving Arsenal and Tottenham further encouragement of a deal.
The Gunners and Spurs may not have to break the bank for the former Bayern Munich man, either. Calciomercato report Lille would accept €30m (£26m), but interest from Roma and AC Milan could drive that price up.
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