Arsenal have suffered a big blow in their reported summer pursuit of Renato Sanches, as Calciomercato report the LOSC Lille star has ‘promised himself’ to transfer rivals AC Milan.
The Rossoneri are eager to take the Portuguese midfielder to the San Siro at the end of the season. Contacts also began between the Serie A side and Sanches’ representatives over a move in January. But Lille preferred to delay his possible exit from the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Les Dogues accept Sanches is likely to move on from northern France in the summer when the 24-year-old enters the final year of his contract. The Ligue 1 side have not renewed the 32-cap international’s deal since his transfer from Bayern Munich for €20m (£17m) in 2019.
AC Milan now intend to formalise Sanches’ promise and agree terms with Lille for an end of season transfer. The San Siro hierarchy are concerned they risk missing out on his arrival in Serie A, with rivals Juventus now also entering the race for his signature over recent hours.
Sanches’ assuring AC Milan that he is open to wearing red-and-black next season will hurt any efforts Arsenal make to agree a transfer with Lille, too. Gazzetta dello Sport reported last month that Mikel Arteta and Edu view the Lisbon-born ace as their top midfield target.
Arsenal suffer Renato Sanches blow as Lille ace’s ‘promised himself’ to AC Milan
Arteta and Edu may now have to look elsewhere to improve Arsenal’s midfield if Lille star Sanches has ‘promised himself’ to transfer rivals AC Milan. His stance will prove a big blow, with Gazzetta dello Sport also noting Les Dogues have only set a €30m (£25m) asking price.
Edu was ready to pay far more to take Sanches to north London during the January market. Calciomercato reported ahead of the winter sales that the Brazilian was keen to raise €55m (£46m) to tempt Lille. But Jocelyn Gourvennec’s side ultimately kept their ex-Bayern star.
Sanches joined Bayern from Benfica for £27.5m as Mats Hummels returned from Borussia Dortmund after eight-years for £31.5m in 2016. The midfielder thrilled the German centre-back whilst at the Allianz Arena, despite his Munich career petering out before joining Lille.
“His strength is what sets him apart,” Hummels said of Sanches after facing Benfica in 2018, via Sport Bild. “He’s someone in midfield who can shake off opponents and move the ball with speed. He created almost all of his chances himself with his irresistible approach.”
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