The January transfer window is now just a matter of days away.
As Arsenal have a realistic chance of finishing in the top four for the first time since the 2015/16 season, Edu may have to dip into the transfer market to help strengthen Mikel Arteta's chances of securing Champions League football in north London.
One name who is seemingly on the club's wish list is Lille midfielder, Renato Sanches.
The Portuguese international has often been linked with a move to north London, but for one reason or another a deal has never materialised. Nevertheless, there's been plenty to suggest in recent weeks that a deal isn't out of the Gunners' reach.
With that in mind, football.london rounds up the latest updates on Sanches and his potential transfer to Arsenal.
Agreement reached
After playing a starring role in Lille's surprise Ligue 1 triumph last term, Sanches is again on the radar of Europe's top clubs.
And according to reports, he may well be allowed to move onto pastures new in January.
As per The Mirror, Sanches has a ‘gentleman's agreement’ in place with Lille that would allow him to leave the club in the winter transfer window.
Arsenal given 'green light'
As reported by Telefoot, via Teamtalk, earlier this month, Arsenal have been given the 'green light' to sign the 24-year-old in a deal that will cost them €30million (£25.6m).
With the Gunners set to lose Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny to the Africa Cup of Nations, midfield is an area that needs to be addressed - especially as the duo could be missing for up to a month depending on how far Ghana or Egypt go in the competition.
Tottenham and Barcelona competition
AS, via the Express, claims that Sanches is likely to become one of the biggest sales of the winter transfer window, with Arsenal and Tottenham the two clubs most interested in his services.
However, despite the inductions of Pedri, Gavi and Nico Gonzales to the first-team picture, Barcelona have reportedly not forgotten about Sanches, whom they came close to signing last summer.
There is a possibility Barcelona would go back to sign him this winter, but Arsenal chiefs supposedly have big pressure upon themselves to accrue his signing.
Sanches ready to leave for Arsenal or AC Milan
Sanches has admitted that he is ready to leave Lille and start a fresh challenge.
“Who is interested in me? Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested, but I don’t know. I talked to my agent, I know which clubs are calling and which are not, but now I can’t tell. But I know I’m ready. If it happens, I’ll see what’s best for me,” he told L'Equipe, via MilanNews.
“Milan? It’s a great club, a historic club. The class. I like it. I was supposed to go to Barcelona in the summer, then my injury blew everything up. Leave in January? I know I’m ready. If an offer comes in.”
Read the full story here.
Portuguese star told he can leave
Lille president Olivier Létang confirmed in October that if an appropriate offer is tabled, Sanches will be allowed to leave the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
He said, via the Mirror: “If an offer from a big club arrives, he can leave.”
