‘Terrific’ Arsenal target has second thoughts on rival move, agent talks set

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Arsenal have just landed two boosts in their race to sign Renato Sanches, as the LOSC Lille star is now having second thoughts on a transfer to AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.

Additionally, Sanches is considering waiting for alternative offers to emerge than accepting a switch to the San Siro. A situation that can cause the Rossoneri to back out of the market as the Serie A side refuse to enter into a potential bidding war for the Portugal midfielder.

AC Milan remain optimistic that Sanches will find clarity and accept their approach to leave France for Italy this summer. But Juventus could also put their hopes to the test, as the Old Lady will meet with the 24-year-old’s agent, Jorge Mendes, for talks over moving to Turin.

AC Milan are keen to wrap up Sanches’ transfer from Lille as the Rossoneri view the 32-cap dynamo as Franck Kessie’s heir. The Ivorian will leave the San Siro at the end of the season when his contract ends. He is also due to join Barcelona on a €7m-a-year (£112k-a/w) deal.

Renato Sanches having second thoughts on AC Milan move as Arsenal eye Lille star

Sanches seemed set to snub reported interest from Arsenal to agree a transfer to AC Milan from Lille this summer. Calciomercato reported earlier in March he had ‘promised himself’ to the Rossoneri. But the San Siro hierarchy are still yet to secure his signature on paper.

Now, the Serie A side risk missing out, in a boost for Mikel Arteta. Per Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal view Sanches as their top transfer target to strengthen the Spaniard’s engine room ahead of the off-season sales. And 90min note Lille are now only asking for £15m to sell.

That fee may prove a bargain if Arsenal can edge AC Milan to agreeing a transfer with Lille for Sanches. A player whom Jermaine Jenas lauded for his showcase Euro 2020 displays.

“He has been terrific [against France],” Jenas said on BBC One (21:49, 23/6/2021). “He has definitely added a lot to that midfield that [Portugal] were missing the other night against the Germans. You have to give him a lot of credit.”