Former striker Kevin Campbell has urged Arsenal to make a shock move for Lille star Renato Sanches.
The Portugal international has endured a rollercoaster career, winning two Bundesliga titles at Bayern Munich but then flopping at Swansea City, before returning to glory in Ligue 1 with Lille last season.
The midfielder only made 12 league appearances for the Swans during the 2017-18 season that saw the Welsh side relegated from the Premier League.
Then-manager Carlos Carvalhal said Sanches had a ‘very bad season’ and had ‘much to learn’ following the loan spell.
But Sanches has since bounced back at Lille, salvaging his reputation, and admitted he is ‘ready’ for a move to one of Europe’s elite earlier this month.
He impressed in 29 appearances for the French side last season and attracted a number of suitors in the summer, including Liverpool, AC Milan and Arsenal.
Campbell claimed the 24-year-old would be a ‘very good signing’ for his former club as he would add needed experience to Mikel Arteta’s engine room.
‘I think he would be very good if they can get him in,’ Campbell told Football Insider.
‘He’s suffered with injuries but he’s still young. He’s a powerhouse in that midfield – he can pick the ball up, run, he can shoot, he can create.
‘Having that power in the midfield can make a huge difference.
‘No disrespect to him but against Liverpool, for example, Sambi Lokonga was taken off by Arteta to save him. He was getting robbed time after time in that midfield.
‘Maybe there needs to be a bit more experience in there, and Sanches would bring it.
‘There’s a big opportunity for Arsenal – they’re still fifth in the table. They will be trying to improve the top end of the pitch and pushing for those top four places.’
The Gunners have reportedly made their interest in Sanches known to his representatives, while Lille’s hierarchy are also said to be aware.
Sanches’s contract expires next summer and the Ligue 1 club are reportedly considering cashing in on their prized asset during the winter transfer window, if they receive a sufficient offer.
Arteta currently has Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mohamed Elneny at his disposal to fuel his engine room.
But the Gunners boss could look to bolster his ranks in January as Granit Xhaka has been ruled out until the New Year with a knee injury, while Partey and Elneny will be missing as they head to the African Cup of Nations