The summer transfer window opens on Sunday, and Andrea Berta is already eyeing deals for several players who can strengthen Arsenal’s squad.
The Gunners want to sign a striker, a winger, a central midfielder, a defender and a goalkeeper this summer, to provide Mikel Arteta with the tools to launch another assault on the Premier League and the Champions League.
Martin Zubimendi is set to undergo his medical ahead of a £51 million switch from Real Sociedad, while one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres is expected to arrive at the Emirates in the coming months.
A dynamic winger will be the next area to address on Berta’s transfer list, with the likes of Leroy Sane, Nico Williams and Rodrygo heavily linked with the North Londoners in recent weeks.
Mikel Arteta could rediscover Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leroy Sane’s partnership by signing Bayern man
Sane has emerged as a genuine target for Arsenal in the last few days, with the Gunners ready to pounce on uncertainty around his contract situation at Bayern and land him on a free transfer this summer.
Recently turning 29, Arsenal fans aren’t enthused about signing Sane, although the German still did score 13 goals across all competitions last season.
This reasonable return suggests he still has something to give at the highest level, and he would be no stranger to the Premier League or some of the Gunners’ squad.
Sane spent four years at Manchester City between 2016 and 2020, winning two Premier League titles alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.
Speaking before a pre-season game between City and Bayern back in 2022, Zinchenko told ManCity.com that he has a great relationship with the explosive winger.
“[Sane] is an amazing guy, and we have an unbelievable relationship with each other, like everyone in the team,” the Ukrainian said.
“It’s going to be really nice to see him.”
Zinchenko and Sane were Pep Guardiola’s default starting left-hand side at the Etihad for some time, with this partnership giving the Germany international some of the most fruitful seasons of his career as City won back-to-back titles.
Arteta can rediscover this partnership that was so effective in the north-west.
Zinchenko’s excellent passing often fed Sane in dangerous positions high up the pitch, leaving the wide forward in areas where he could damage the opposition with his speed and dribbling ability.
Arsenal must use Oleksandr Zinchenko more if he stays
The caveat to this is, of course, that Zinchenko could leave Arsenal this summer.
The 28-year-old became a peripheral figure in Arteta’s squad last season, and he may want to exit N5 to play more regularly next campaign.
However, with one year remaining on his deal, there is a scenario where prospective suitors decide to wait 12 months before snapping him up for free, and Zinchenko subsequently stays at Arsenal.
If that does happen, then Arteta must make more use of the talented full-back, particularly if Sane arrives from Bayern.
The Spaniard will have a proven Premier League partnership available to him on the left-hand side, and this duo could be the ideal combination for unlocking low blocks.
It’s certainly one for the Gunners hierarchy to consider if they do pursue Sane.
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