Arsenal receive POSITIVE update on Saka backup after 'counteroffer'

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 12 May 2025 09:47 CDT
  • 4 min read
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
© IMAGO

A potential move of Leroy Sane to Arsenal is still on the table as his contract stalemate with Bayern Munich continues.

The Germany international has had turbulent talks over a new deal with the Bundesliga champions in recent weeks. Sane initially looked set to leave the club as a free agent, but an improvement in performances paired with a willingness to take a pay cut saw him offered an extension.

Article continues under the video

Current ETV
Player image Leroy Sané
Leroy Sané

M (RL)

Bayern logo

Bayern

Leroy Sané
Leroy Sané

M (RL)

Bayern

Bayern

€17.8M

ETV Range

€16M - €19.6M

Bayern were close to finalising his new deal, but Sane blindsided everybody by deciding to switch agents at the 11th hour and linking up with Pini Zahavi to negotiate a better arrangement.

From Sane's point of view, Bayern's initial offer became null and void, whereas the Munich outfit refused to be drawn into a renegotiation. Sky Germany now reports that Sane's camp has made a 'counteroffer' on improved terms.

Sane is reportedly asking for a guaranteed salary of €12 million plus a potential €3m in appearance-linked bonuses, with Bayern originally offering €10m fixed and a potential €5.5m in bonuses. Moreover, the club asked him to forfeit a signing-on fee.

Bayern not falling for Sane's games

Despite this counteroffer and Sane's continued willingness to take a lower salary compared to his current deal, the report states that Bayern remain reticent to change their original contract proposal.

Bayern are 'determined to stand firm' and will not accept Sane's counteroffer as things stand. This means that a free-agent departure this summer remains on the table for Sane.

Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller
© IMAGO - Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller

He has been linked with a move to Arsenal, where he maintains a good relationship with his former Man City mentor Mikel Arteta. Arsenal, for their part, have been in obvious need of a reliable backup to Bukayo Saka for years.

If he is to leave Munich, Sane reportedly favours a move to London, but Newcastle have also been credited with an interest in the 29-year-old. Should the Magpies secure Champions League football, which looks likely at this point, a move to the Northeast could appeal to the German.

Football transfer news headlines today

CONFIRMED: Real Madrid’s new head coach and THREE new signings

Carlo Ancelotti appointed as new Brazil head coach - Ornstein

Man City reach 'verbal agreement' to sign Florian Wirtz

Saudi target THREE Premier League stars: €250m mega deal in the pipeline

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store