Arteta gambles: Arsenal move for fallen star CONFIRMED

Mikel Arteta is ready to roll the dice for Arsenal in the transfer window this summer, with the Gunners ready to open talks for a superstar attacker whose stock has plummeted in recent seasons.

Arsenal are set to take advantage of Bayern Munich’s willingness to see Leroy Sane depart on a free transfer this summer and have started discussions with the former Manchester City ace, according to Bild.

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Arteta has already worked with the player at the Etihad Stadium and knows well what he is capable of at his peak. At City, the 29-year-old scored 39 goals and created 43 more across 135 games.

Such form has eluded Sane this season as he has been pushed to the periphery of Vincent Kompany’s plans at Bayern Munich. Although he has featured in 34 matches, he has been a replacement in 16 of these matches while he has only played a full 90 minutes on seven occasions.

In particular, Kompany has not trusted Sane in the clutch Champions League games, with the winger registering only one goal in the 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

Bayern have not opened contract talks with the Germany international, who appears destined to leave at the end of the season as the Bundesliga giants want rid of his astronomical €20 million-per-year salary.

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Leroy Sane: Capable of becoming a key player at Arsenal

Arsenal are eyeing him as a low-cost addition to their attacking line – at least in terms of having no transfer fee to pay.

Although not of the age range that Arteta typically targets, this is less of an issue given he would come without a transfer fee attached.

Sane also has a couple of major upsides. Firstly, he is capable of playing off either wing, giving the Gunners the cover for Bukayo Saka they crave while also providing an option off the left. Secondly, he has Premier League experience, which is an attribute that the Spaniard values highly in signings.

Sane vs Bundesliga wingers: Overall performance 2024/25

Sane currently has huge ability, according to data analytics firm SciSports, which states that at his best, the winger can become a key player at the Emirates.

His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has plunged to just €17.2 million from a career high of €77.1m, yet this is not reflective of his ability and is partially due to the fact that his contract is winding down so rapidly.

Indeed, despite his limited minutes in the Bundesliga, SciSports still rates the former Man City man as one of the best-performing wingers in the competition.

Sane would be a gamble for Arsenal, but Arteta appreciates the upside is huge and the risk very limited.