Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, with the player edging towards the end of his current contract.

German outlet BILD suggests that Arsenal are keen to acquire the services of the 28-year-old, alongside Manchester United, in what could be a high-profile move during the upcoming transfer window.

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 02: Leroy Sane of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on November 02, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 02: Leroy Sane of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on November 02, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

In addition, Christian Falk, reporting for the Daily Briefing, claims that Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is a long-term admirer of Sane, and this could be the right opportunity for Arteta to bring him to north London.

The interest comes at a time when Sane’s contract with Bayern Munich is set to expire in 2025, and he is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January onwards.

Falk notes that the situation is notably different from previous years when Arsenal’s reported interest did not materialise into a concrete move. Sane’s family were reportedly unsettled during their time in Manchester, which is said to be one reason why a move to London could be on the cards over one to Old Trafford.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Leroy Sane of Manchester City runs with the ball under pressure from Trae Coyle of Arsenal during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Manchester City U23 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Leroy Sane of Manchester City runs with the ball under pressure from Trae Coyle of Arsenal during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Manchester City U23 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

The Gunners, it seems, would provide an attractive destination, both in terms of the club’s direction under Arteta and a possible lifestyle change.

Bayern Munich, for their part, are hesitating over offering Sane a new contract, particularly given his recent groin injury that has impacted his availability. The winger has only managed limited minutes this season, appearing mostly as a substitute, with his total game time amounting to just 304 minutes.

Despite that, he has scored three goals, demonstrating his efficiency whenever called upon.

While Sane was previously a vital player for Manchester City, where he netted 39 goals and provided 43 assists during his three full seasons, his departure to Bayern was marked by an ACL injury that kept him sidelined for a significant period.

Germany's midfielder Mesut Oezil (R) and Germany's midfielder Leroy Sane celebrate after winning the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between Germany and Italy at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux on July 2, 2016. (Photo credit GEORGES GOBET/AFP/Getty Images)
Germany’s midfielder Mesut Oezil (R) and Germany’s midfielder Leroy Sane celebrate after winning the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between Germany and Italy at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux on July 2, 2016. (Photo credit GEORGES GOBET/AFP/Getty Images)

The impending expiry of his contract has left Bayern in a difficult position, particularly since the player has expressed a desire for more clarity regarding his future. It’s understood that Sane wants a decisive move, rather than waiting until the very last moment to determine his next club.

Should Arsenal manage to complete the signing, it would represent a considerable addition to Arteta’s squad. With Sane’s pace, technical ability, and experience in the Premier League, he could fill an important role in Arsenal’s attacking set-up that the manager hoped Raheem Sterling would fill.

As the situation develops, Bayern may still push for an extension, but the door to a move to the Emirates remains firmly open.