Transfer Centre

Renato Sanches tells Arsenal: "I am ready"

By Matthew Tranter, Reporter | 23 January 2022

Lille midfielder Renato Sanches 'is ready' to move on from the French club amid his recent links to Arsenal and a host of other European clubs in January.

Lille midfielder Renato Sanches has addressed his recent links to Arsenal by declaring 'he is ready' to move on from the French club.

The Portuguese midfielder has long been linked with a move back to a top European club after impressing in France, where he helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title last season.

Arsenal and Liverpool have been just two of the sides across Europe linked with a move for the 24-year-old either in the January transfer window or in the summer.

Now in an interview since those links, Sanches has addressed the speculation by saying: "Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested but I don't know. I spoke with my agent, I know which clubs are calling me but I can't say right now.

"But I know I'm ready. If an offer comes in, I'll find out what's best for me."

After moving to Bayern Munich from Benfica at the age of 18 for around £31.5m, Sanches struggled to adapt in Germany and was loaned to Swansea City in 2017.

Following a difficult loan spell in Wales, Lille then moved to sign him from Bayern in the summer of 2019 for around £18m.

Lille are currently struggling down in 10th place in Ligue 1 this season, and are understood to be willing to let Sanches leave if the right offer comes in for him, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2023.