- Arsenal linked with surprise move for Bayern Munich winger Sane
- German international has entered final 12 months of his contract
- Gunners also targeting Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino
Bayern Munich are hoping to keep hold of winger Leroy Sane heading into the new Bundesliga season, amid reports of interest in the Germany international from Arsenal.
Sane has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Allianz Arena, sparking obvious questions about his future, and reports in Germany claim Arsenal are eyeing a cut-price move for the 28-year-old.
Despite his contract situation, sources have confirmed to footballboast that Bayern are in no rush to part ways with Sane and hope to hold on to him for at least another 12 months and potentially even extend his contract.
Arsenal are known admirers of Sane but have not yet moved beyond that stage and are currently focusing their efforts on other targets, namely Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
Should the Gunners move for a new winger this summer, they are expected to pursue a squad option who perhaps wouldn’t get an instant starting spot. Sane is looking for regular game time and turns 29 in January, and that could convince Arsenal to look elsewhere.
Primarily a right winger, any move to Arsenal would require Sane to accept a backup role to talisman Bukayo Saka in his preferred position, although the Germany international would still be happy with regular minutes in other positions across the forward line.
Whether Sane would accept a move to a team with such intense competition for minutes is unclear. Real Sociedad midfielder Merino, however, is known to be prepared to move to the Emirates Stadium despite the number of midfield options already available to manager Mikel Arteta.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are both key starters in Arsenal's midfield, while the likes of Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira are all looking for minutes in the same position. Kai Havertz can also be deployed in midfield despite ending the season in a more-advanced role.
Arsenal have moved slowly in the summer transfer window but recently completed their second deal, bringing centre-back Riccardo Calafiori over from Bologna. He joins goalkeeper David Raya, whose loan from Brentford was made permanent as expected.
