Edu can hijack £17m AC Milan transfer deal to sign player who has already talked up Arsenal move

Arsenal need to strengthen the midfield department in the summer transfer window. It is for this reason that the Gunners must look to pounce on AC Milan’s proposed deal for Renato Sanches.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Rossoneri are working on a deal to sign the Portuguese midfielder. Talks between the player’s agent and the club are currently ongoing.

The Gunners will need to sign a midfielder due to a lack of depth and quality in the middle of the park. Arsenal have previously been linked to Sanches, and with the cheap price tag quoted for him, it is a deal that Edu should look to explore.

Matteo Guendouzi proves Mikel Arteta £25m transfer failure is an Arsenal blessing in disguise

Sanches has proven to provide some of the most progressive passes and carries per 90 minutes in Europe’s top five leagues this season. The Portuguese international has been a stand-out performer since joining French side Lille who won the Ligue 1 title last season and progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League during this campaign.

The Lille midfielder currently has one of the best ball-carrying tendencies in Europe highlighting his confidence and bravery to turn defence into attack in a swift manner. Arsenal need this type of midfielder to play alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard, meaning Sanches would prove to be the perfect fit.

There is an extra incentive to sign him because according to SportItalia, the French champions approached Sanches to offer him a new contract. However, the 24-year-old put talks on hold because he is ready for a new adventure.

And this adventure could be Arsenal, which he confirmed himself earlier in the season. Speaking to L’Equipe, Sanches said: “Maybe Milan