Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane is reportedly set to join Galatasaray on a free transfer after his contract in Munich ends on June 30, in a major blow for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta had identified the 29-year-old Germany international as a top target to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the season, but may be forced to look at pricier options elsewhere.
Reported by David Ornstein on The Athletic on Wednesday morning, Sane has verbally agreed to a three-year contract with the Turkish giants worth up to €15m per year.
Arsenal will have their work cut out to sign a replacement after missing out on the winger, with several top wide players potentially available on the market, but they won’t come cheaply.
Nico Williams
One of the most sought-after wingers on the planet ever since he lit up Euro 2024 with Spain last summer, Nico Williams has remained with Athletic Club but that surely won’t be the case for much longer.
With a release clause of just €58m (£49m), the only stumbling block between Williams and a major move could be his wage demands. Someone will need to make a move soon, though, as Bilbao are reportedly aiming to tie down the 22-year-old on a longer contract, which would make a future transfer all the more difficult.
On the pitch, Williams operates from the left wing, which is just what the Gunners need as Arteta looks to provide competition for the inconsistent Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Williams may prefer a move to play alongside Lamine Yamal at Barcelona, but Arsenal should do all they can to persuade him of a move to the Emirates.
Francisco Trincao
Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao has previously been linked with the Gunners, and Arteta could look to reignite interest after his failure to land Sane.
The 25-year-old once had an uninspiring loan spell with Wolves, but, as has been proven by his international teammate Vitinha, even the best of players can have a poor spell at Molineux and grow from it. Grow Trincao certainly has, with 11 goals and 19 assists in all competitions this season.
Sporting do not seem willing to part with Trincao, and have reportedly placed an €80m (£68m) release clause in his contract. Trincao tends to operate from Bukayo Saka’s berth on the right wing, but has also featured from the left or behind the striker on occasion.
Bradley Barcola
Probably the most ambitious and certainly most expensive move of the three, Bradley Barcola has been monitored by some of Europe’s top clubs after losing his place in Luis Enrique’s outstanding PSG side in the new year.
Arsenal are amongst those reported to be interested, and Barcola’s cameo as a substitute in the Champions League final, where he still shone and almost scored the goal of the night, only fuelled those rumours.
At just 22 years old, Barcola’s potential is immense. He has already registered 23 goals and 28 assists in 99 Ligue 1 appearances, and operates from the left. The only issue is whether he would want to leave behind this PSG project just as it is taking off. He would likely cost upwards of £85m if that were to happen.