Arsenal could be about to spend big again in January.

Mikel Arteta’s previous affiliation with Manchester City may facilitate Arsenal’s acquisition of one of European football’s premier talents. The Spaniard’s club is now struggling after suffering a setback at Newcastle on Saturday, followed by a Champions League loss against Inter Milan on Wednesday.

They will face Chelsea on Sunday, having not secured a victory in the Premier League since October 5, and are now seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the title race.

Given the Gunners’ current deficiency in offensive prowess, talk is increasing that they may seek to enhance their attacking options in January.Leroy Sane has been a key player at Bayern Munich since his transfer from Manchester City in 2020, contributing to the club’s acquisition of three Bundesliga titles, as well as victories in the European Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Currently, he is out of favor under Vincent Kompany due to the arrival of Michael Olise this summer.

Sky Germany reports that the 28-year-old is pursuing a transfer return to England, with Arsenal and Manchester United as the leading contenders for his acquisition. His prior three-year tenure at the Etihad resulted in two Premier League titles, along with victories in the FA Cup and League Cup.

Significantly, he collaborated closely with Arteta, who was then a member of Pep Guardiola’s coaching team. This summer, the German international extolled his influence on him.“It was excellent.” He expressed satisfaction in collaborating with him, since he provided substantial assistance at City. We engaged in numerous individual discussions regarding my improvement, capabilities, and flaws, and we dedicated significant effort to this process.

“I achieved significant advancements under his guidance; he facilitated that for me.” I continue to retain that in my thoughts and incorporate it into my gameplay—positioning and conduct in specific situations. I express gratitude.

Sane netted 35 goals in 139 matches for City and has since scored 51 goals in 185 outings for Bayern. He is allegedly valued at £50 million by his club, despite his contract expiring next summer.Arsenal risks engaging in competition with several teams, including United, if they fail to act in January. Sane’s rumored salaries of £320,000 per week may be an obstacle, as Arsenal will likely need to transfer one of their underperforming attackers to finance the acquisition.

Arteta is expected to promptly articulate his intentions in the upcoming transfer window following the exit of sports director Edu. This week, it was reported that the Brazilian, recognized for acquiring pivotal players such as Declan Rice and William Saliba for the club, has consented to depart to collaborate with Evangelos Marinakis and his consortium of teams.