So far in January, the Arsenal-related speculation has focused on two players.
It has focused on Arthur Melo, the Juventus midfielder who seemingly wants to join the North Londoners on loan.
And it has centered around Fiorentina and Serbia marksman Dusan Vlahovic who, despite constant speculation about joining Arsenal, it still seems farfetched.
However, the Gunners’ first addition of the transfer window might not be any of them.
Instead, could it possibly be Renato Sanches?
The Portugal international has publicly namechecked Arsenal as one of the teams who want to sign him, telling L’Equipe on Saturday: “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.”
Under the radar
On November 23 of last year, Calciomercato reported that the North Londoners’ technical director Edu wanted to bring Sanches to the Emirates Stadium.
And given that Sanches spoke of Arsenal’s interest as recently as yesterday, it seems plausible that the Brazilian director has been working on this transfer below the radar.
The 24-year-old midfielder – once urged to join the Emirates Stadoum club by Gabriel Magalhaes – has made his feelings clear – he isn’t staying at Lille.
But with his contract expiring in 18 months, the Ligue 1 outfit might be tempted to sell up now rather than wait until the summer, when his value will drop even further.
Right now, Sanches is as valuable as he’s ever going to be and that could potentially lead to Arsenal testing the waters with an offer.
For all the talk of Arthur and Vlahovic – and there’s been a lot of both – Sanches’ comments suggests that he is very much an Arsenal target and it’ll be fascinating to see if anything materialises over the final week of the transfer window.
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