Arsenal are reportedly interested in the signature of Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his side’s attack in the summer.
The Gunners drew 2-2 with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 matchup, but the Londoners advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition after winning 9-3 on aggregate.
Despite the margin of victory across the two legs, there are concerns about Arsenal’s forward line, with some fans worried that the team’s inconsistent attacking unit could cost the club Champions League glory.
Arteta’s side are 15 points behind first-placed Liverpool in the Premier League title race, and they have scored 17 fewer goals than the league leaders.
However, Christian Falk claims that Arsenal hold interest in Bayern Munich winger Sane, with Arteta keen to strengthen his side’s attacking line ahead of the 2025-26 season.
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Leroy Sane: Is he the right fit?
Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea in the most recent summer transfer window to come in as a depth attacker, but the forward has struggled for game time despite his experience, starting just four times in the top flight.
Sane has only started 12 times in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich this term, and his performances have at times come under scrutiny, though he has managed to score six goals and provide four assists in the league.
The 29-year-old’s age likely means the winger would be seen as a short-term solution to Arsenal’s current offensive problems, but given they have had to use midfielder Mikel Merino and left-back Kieran Tierney in the forward line this campaign, Sane would at least provide Arteta with another natural attacking option.
Additionally, signing the Bayern star for free could mean that the Gunners would still have significant funds to sign another forward such as Alexander Isak, who has long been linked with a move to the Emirates.
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Can Arsenal’s attacking options get by?
The Champions League represents Arsenal’s only chance of silverware this term, and though the Gunners will have to overcome Real Madrid if they are to advance to the semi-finals, they have been boosted by the return of winger Gabriel Martinelli.
It should also be noted that talisman Bukayo Saka is expected to make his comeback from a hamstring injury after the March international break, and he could potentially be available for the tie against Los Blancos in early April.
Arteta has shown that he is a formidable defensive coach, so perhaps he would be able to utilise the pace, speed and trickery of his returning wingers to hurt Real Madird.
However, Saka will likely need time to get back up to speed in order to be able to contribute significantly, especially after suffering such a serious injury, and it could be risky to throw the Englishman straight back into the team.
