Arsenal have a busy summer on the transfer front as they look to strengthen their ranks ahead of a huge 2025/26 campaign.
Attacking reinforcements are a priority for Arsenal, who could have done with more firepower over the course of the 2024/25 season.
However, there will always be some players who slip through the net and end up going elsewhere.
David Ornstein has now spoken about an “incredible” forward who Arsenal were “very strong contenders” for but who is now heading elsewhere.
Arsenal target Leroy Sane now set for Galatasaray
Arsenal were interested in signing Leroy Sane earlier in the summer transfer window.
The Germany international has enjoyed a star-studded stint at Bayern Munich, but his contract expires at the end of the month.
However, Sane has opted for a switch to Galatasaray instead, the 29-year-old now closing in on a move to the Turkish champions.
Ornstein, writing in The Athletic, has revealed what Sane thought of Arsenal and who else was in pursuit of the winger.
“Al Hilal, Arsenal and Fenerbahce were all of interest to the Germany international,” wrote Ornstein.
“Arsenal were very strong contenders but were considering their options with Sane wanting a more immediate resolution and an appealing proposition from Turkey providing that.”
Ornstein also spoke of senior figures at Arsenal having previously held talks with Sane.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that the Gunners did hold talks with Sane, but they never made him an offer.
What Leroy Sane previously said about Mikel Arteta
Last year, Sane was asked about his time under Arteta at Manchester City.
The Bayern winger shared how much Arteta improved his game, and how the Spaniard’s tutelage still helps him to this day.
“It was great,” Sane said. “I was pleased to work with him because he actually really helped me at City.
“We had a lot of individual talks about how I can improve, strengths, my weaknesses, we worked a lot.
“I made huge improvements under him, he gave that to me.
“I still keep that in my mind and put that in my game – positioning, how to behave in certain positions. I’m thankful.”
In addition, the “terrifying” Sane linked up well with Gabriel Jesus at Manchester City.
However, it’s not meant to be – Sane will be plying his trade for a team that could well go up against Arsenal in the Champions League next season.
