Arsenal handed huge Renato Sanches transfer boost

As the dust settled at Anfield, inexperience was the buzzword as Arsenal reflected on another heavy away defeat to Liverpool.

The second half performances of Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares were brutal indicators of where the pair are in their development when compared to their opposite numbers. As one-sided as it became, these will be vital lessons for the pair in their Arsenal careers.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones to struggle. Midfield was where the biggest problems for the visitors lay and that includes Mikel Arteta’s second most expensive purchase, Thomas Partey.

Barely involved as the Reds’ trio of Thiago, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were on top, whatever happens in the centre of the pitch for the Gunners, whether it’s the return of Granit Xhaka or the introduction of someone new into the team, the 4-0 loss showed where other sides are capable of dominating Arsenal.

Arsenal handed huge Renato Sanches transfer boost as Lille midfielders expresses desire to leave Ligue 1 – with Serie A and Premier League interest

The returning Swiss was immediately highlighted as someone who could come in and add some steel and structure to the midfield, but he isn’t due to return to full training until January and even with his return reinforcements are still being eyed to bolster that area.

A host of players have been linked with Arsenal, as well as some rumoured to be leaving: Mohamed Elneny continues to be tipped for a January departure, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is unlikely to stay beyond the season and Lucas Torreira is also set for a permanent move to Fiorentina.

New blood is expected in the summer at the very least, although reports have surfaced once again linking Arsenal with Portugal international Renato Sanches.

Playing a key role in Lille’s triumphant 2020/21 Ligue 1 campaign where they pipped PSG to the title, fresh interest in his signature emerged over the summer. Suffering an injury in August that ruled him out until October scuppered his chances, with Sanches admitting a move to Barcelona fell through as a result.

As the rumours reemerge once again, the 24-year-old has issued a come and get me plea to keen parties.

"“Today I feel ready. I understand football better, I have more experience, I know what to do to play in this kind of club and that changes everything,” he told L’Equipe (via Sport Witness). Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested but I don’t know. “I spoke with my agent, I know which clubs are calling and which are not, but I can’t tell now. But I know I’m ready. If an offer comes in, I’ll find out what’s best for me.”"

If the reports are true of the Gunners’ interest, they’ll never had had a better time to swoop in. But, the key question is: should they?

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