ARSENAL and Tottenham are locked in a fierce transfer battle for Lille star Renato Sanches, according to reports.
And the North London rivals also face competition from Catalan giants Barcelona.
At the end of last month, the former Bayern Munich midfielder said he was ‘waiting for an invitation’ to join the Gunners, leaving fans excited about a potential move.
But Spurs and Barca are now in the picture with the Catalans the most likely to complete the signing, according to French outlet Le 10 Sport.
The 23-year-old has become one of the hottest talents in Europe again after a tricky start to his professional career.
Sanches burst onto the scene at Benfica in 2015-16, making 35 appearances in all competitions to help the Portuguese side win a league and cup double.
His performances at domestic level saw him included in Portugal’s squad for Euro 2016, starting their historic win against France in the final.
But Sanches struggled after the tournament, making just 17 league appearances at new club Bayern following a high-profile move.
An unsuccessful loan spell at Swansea followed – featuring just 12 times for the relegated Premier League side – before he was allowed to join Lille in August 2019.
Despite making only making 42 Ligue 1 appearances in two seasons at the French club due to injury, he has reinvented himself – inspiring them to a shock title triumph last term.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Sanches sent Gunners fans into a frenzy in June.
Responding to a picture on Sanches’ Insta, Gabriel commented: “Come to Arsenal.”
To which Sanches replied: “I’m wait for your invitation [sic].”
The Gunners are reportedly monitoring several midfielders as they face losing Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka to Roma.
The Premier League side have also been linked with Brighton star Yves Bissouma and Lyon talent Houssem Aouar.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
