According to reports, Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has made it quite clear that Bayern Munich are willing to let go of Renato Sanches this summer after the young Portuguese sensation failed to create any kind of impression with the Bundesliga giants whatsoever.
He was the hottest prospect last year following his marvellous stint with Liga Nos side Benfica and winning the Euro 2016 tournament. The 19-year-old had won the Golden Boy award and was also the best young player in the Euros. The midfielder could start only six games in the Bundesliga last season of the 25 times Ancelotti had handed him chances in all competitions. He failed to score or assist even once in them and managed to complete 90 minutes just once.
Speaking to media, Ancelotti said: “At this time, he’s training with us. We have to make a decision. A move could be a possibility but there is also a chance he could stay with us for the season.”
Premier League side Manchester United had come extremely close to land him last summer before Bayern snapped him up from under their nose. And if reports are to be believed, the Red Devils have again reignited their interest in the youngster as they keep failing to land any potential midfielder whatsoever.
However, his unimpressive stint with Bayern has pretty much killed the excitement and even if he arrives at Old Trafford, his first team chances remain slim. Arsenal, on the other hand, United’s rival in the league, could be a suitable destination for Sanches.
The North London side had endured a nightmarish season in their domestic and European campaign last term, which saw them conceding 10 goals against Bayern over the two-legged UEFA Champions League and finish out of the top four spots in the Premier League table.
Manager Arsene Wenger is in dire need of a proper midfielder, who could gel in well with Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey from time to time. And with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Mohamed Elneny reportedly leaving the club, the Gunners are on the lookout for a long-term solution in that position. Arsenal have been previously linked with Juventus’ Mario Lemina and Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic, but no move has materialised.
Although not the tallest of midfielders to don the Arsenal shirt if he moves, Sanches is immensely versatile across the midfield and mature for a 19-year-old. Having strong defensive attributes, the youngster possesses a tremendous passing ability. His phenomenal dribbles to get the ball out of congested areas could give Arsenal the ideal replacement for Santiago Cazorla, who is unlikely to play most of the next season, yet again.
