Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has suggested that Renato Sanches would bring some much-needed experience to the Gunners’ midfield should he complete a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The Lille man has been linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window, with Mikel Arteta facing a tricky conundrum heading into a hectic festive list.
Granit Xhaka remains on the sidelines having suffered a serious knee injury against Spurs a few months ago, whilst Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny look set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
That would leave Arteta with very few options during the winter months and potentially in desperate need of some recruits.
One of those that could be considered is certainly Lille’s Sanches. The former Bayern Munich midfielder is apparently available for around £30million in January, a price that could potentially be reasonable for Arsenal to pay.
Former Gunners forward Campbell has suggested that the Portuguese could well be the man to hand Arsenal the missing pieces from their current midfield.
Talking to Football Insider, he said: “I think he would be very good if they can get him in.
“He’s suffered with injuries but he’s still young. He’s a powerhouse in that midfield – he can pick the ball up, run, he can shoot, he can create.
“Having that power in the midfield can make a huge difference.
“No disrespect to him but against Liverpool, for example, Sambi Lokonga was taken off by Arteta to save him. He was getting robbed time after time in that midfield.
“Maybe there needs to be a bit more experience in there, and Sanches would bring it.”
Sanches was of course instrumental in Lille claiming a shock Ligue 1 title last term but has endured a somewhat frustrating campaign this term having been hit with frustrating injury problems. As a result, he has made ten appearances in all competitions including just seven starts.
The 24-year-old has just a year-and-a-half left to run on his current contract with the French outfit.
