Arsenal handed huge Renato Sanches transfer boost

Should Arsenal Make a Transfer Move for Renato Sanches?

There has been both reports in Italy from Gazetta dello Sport and Le10Sport in France linking the Gunners with a move for the Portugal international, which follows on from similar stories in the previous summer.

Key to note is that there has been precious little to back this up from the UK media, where you’d expect at least one or two concrete links to emerge from sources with close ties to the club. Working on the basis that there are some bones to these reports, from a profile perspective, it’s little wonder why clubs are so keen on him.

Sanches is flexible tactically and technically. He has operated in numerous systems, but his trademark carries from deep with small bursts of acceleration sit atop his list of endearing qualities. When he’s involved in a game he is impossible to ignore, dominating matches with his technical prowess.

What he doesn’t add in goal threat he more than make up for in creation. His GCA (goal-creating actions) is 99th percentile, whether from live passes, dead passes, or from his dribbling. For an Arsenal team lacking in players who can open the game up from near enough standstill, that unique ability to conjure up something out of nothing is a special trait. His SCA (shot-creating actions) are a juicy 3.49 p/90, which is also way up in the 95th percentile. He makes things happen.

The ability to drag teams through the thirds with elite ball progression is vital in midfielders of his ilk, and being 99th percentile for dribbles completed and dribbled attempted is indicative of someone willing to take matters into their own hands. A glider in possession, Sanches’ delightful close control is as brutal as it can be beautiful, getting the ball into the final third (88th percentile) and penalty box (99th percentile) at an exceptional rate.

All of these progressive carries and dribbles come at the expense of defensive output, which is why finding him the right partner is essential. He operates either as a No. 8 in a midfield trio or in central midfield as part of a four, but is flexible enough to play in a variety of roles. Being quick and nimble means he can be clever in his defensive role, but it’s all about balance.

With a contract expiring in 2023, Lille will want to cash in while his value is at its highest and public declarations to depart may speed matters up. So, is there anything stopping Arsenal from making this move?

Yes.

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