Arsenal pushing to sign Bayern Munich star in bargain summer deal | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Leroy Sané as Creative Spark for Next Season

Arteta Turns to Familiar Face in Attack

In a summer of strategic evolution rather than wholesale change, Arsenal’s pursuit of Leroy Sané reflects both ambition and pragmatism. As reported by The Times, the Gunners are showing strong interest in the Bayern Munich winger, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to reunite with the 29-year-old he previously coached during his time at Manchester City.

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Sané, out of contract at Bayern this month, represents a potentially transformative addition to Arsenal’s attacking ranks. Capable of operating on either flank, the German international combines experience at the highest level with the flair and directness Arteta’s wide options have sometimes lacked.

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Bayern have offered him a new contract worth around £153,000 a week plus £90,000 in performance-related bonuses – a significant drop from his current wage of over £220,000 a week. With no deal yet signed, Sané’s future remains open, and Arsenal are watching closely.

Output and Adaptability Make Sané a Strong Candidate

Across the 2023/24 campaign, Sané registered 13 goals and six assists in all competitions. That followed a return of ten goals and 13 assists the previous season. While these numbers may not leap off the page, they speak to a player with consistency, versatility and big-game pedigree.

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Sané’s previous spell in English football included crucial contributions in Manchester City’s title-winning campaigns. He is comfortable in Arteta’s possession-based system but also brings the verticality and speed to hurt teams in transition. At 29, his peak years are arguably behind him, but his ability to influence high-stakes matches remains undiminished.

One club source reportedly described him as “a proven performer at elite level who can raise the ceiling of our wide play”. Arsenal have admired Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, but the Spaniard’s wage demands – expected to exceed £250,000 a week – have forced a rethink. Sané, as a free agent, offers flexibility both financially and tactically.

Photo: IMAGO

Experience Could Prove Crucial in Title Push

The Premier League is a battleground of small margins, and Arsenal know that adding another proven winner to the dressing room could prove decisive. Sané is a Champions League finalist, a four-time Bundesliga champion and a two-time Premier League winner.

His presence could ease the burden on Bukayo Saka, allow Gabriel Martinelli more rest and inject a degree of seniority into a young, driven group. More importantly, he brings with him the scars and successes of competing at the highest level – attributes that are often underappreciated until the pressure mounts in April and May.

Photo: IMAGO

Contract Discussions and Market Dynamics

There is still uncertainty. Sané’s representatives met with Bayern last week and other suitors are circling. Arsenal’s interest remains strong, but they will not be drawn into a bidding war or an unsustainable wage structure.

Still, the door is open. And in a summer that will be defined not just by who Arsenal buy, but how smartly they buy, Sané could yet be the value addition that sharpens their cutting edge.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Leroy Sané is a player of pedigree, no doubt – he’s played in the biggest games, scored in finals and knows what it takes to win. But does he fit what this team needs right now?

There’s a nagging scepticism. Arsenal have been building a young, dynamic squad. Sané, at 29, feels like a short-term solution, especially given his recent injury record and inconsistent form in the Bundesliga. If the idea is to challenge for the title, shouldn’t they be chasing players like Nico Williams – younger, hungrier, and part of the next wave?

Then there’s the wage issue. Even at reduced terms, he’ll command a big salary. Would he start every week? Would he accept being rotated? Arsenal have a careful dressing-room balance, and you wonder whether a big-name, high-earning signing could unsettle that.

But if Arteta sees him as a player who can step in and deliver when it counts, Sané on a free, with the right contract, could work. But only if it’s part of a wider plan – not just another flashy name.