Arsenal and Man Utd making big mistake if Renato Sanches joins Milan
James Shearman
- Updated: 23 Feb 2022 17:04 GMT
- 4 min read
Lille midfielder Renato Sanches is close to joining AC Milan, not Arsenal or Manchester United, according to reports.
He had been linked with a return to the Premier League as a result of his impressive form in Ligue 1.
But, according to Calcio Mercato, Sanches and Milan have a 'definitive understanding' over a deal.
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So, 'barring a sensational twist', the 24-year-old will be plying his trade in Serie A next season.
The news will come as a disappointment for many of Europe's top clubs, none more so than Arsenal and Manchester United.
Even though the midfielder's loan spell in the Premier League, with Swansea City, went terribly wrong for all parties, he has since regained the form that earned him a move to Bayern Munich.
In fact, in Lille's Champions League knockout round tie with Chelsea on Tuesday night, Sanches was the best player on the pitch.
The Blues came out 2-0 victors at Stamford Bridge but the Portugal international certainly proved that he can compete with the world's best.
Arsenal and Man Utd making big mistake
While Milan are a historic club, it seems likely that Sanches would have chosen to sign for Arsenal or Manchester United instead, had the opportunity arisen.
Not only are the two clubs up there with the biggest in the world, but the money available to them is far greater than at Milan, or any Serie A club for that matter.
So, they must not have been as proactive in securing a deal for the 2016 European Championship winner - a big mistake.
Arsenal are in the process of rebuilding under Mikel Arteta, with young players taking up significant roles at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Ben White have all been regulars this season, as the club focuses on the long term.
Sanches, at 24, would be perfectly suited to the Gunners journey towards Premier League contention, with time to develop into a world-class player.
Here’s Tackles & Interceptions vs. Shot Creating Actions for Midfielders aged 24 & Under in Europe’s top five leagues:
If you watched Renato Sanches last night and thought he was good, it’s because he really is… (Shoutout Lovro Majer too, that guy is going to be a star) pic.twitter.com/sbVULXNOVt— Danny Corcoran (@calcio_danny) February 23, 2022
Manchester United would also benefit greatly from the addition of Renato Sanches, with Paul Pogba leaving on a free transfer this summer.
United's midfield is currently lacking in two of three places. Bruno Fernandes is starring in a creative role, but there are voids in terms of a top class box-to-box player and a defensive midfielder.
Sanches could fulfill the box-to-box role well, with both the physical attributes and technical ability to thrive at the highest level.
Also, United's character has been questioned at times lately, so employing someone with an awful lot to prove seems an excellent idea.
That said, it appears that Premier League clubs will continue to only face Sanches in European competition as he laces up his boots at San Siro next season.
