Renato Sanches hints he is ‘ready’ to leave Lille and says Arsenal are interested in signing him

Renato Sanches has hinted that he will leave Lille and has named Arsenal as one of the clubs he could move to.

The Gunners have identified the Portuguese international as a transfer target as Mikel Arteta looks to improve his options in midfield.

Having played a vital role in Lille winning the Ligue 1 title last season, Sanches continues to impress in France but has one eye on the next step in his career. 

In an interview – via the Mirror – the midfielder spoke about the transfer speculation surrounding him.

‘Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested but I don’t know,’ he said. ‘I spoke with my agent, I know which clubs are calling me but I can’t say right now.

‘But I know I’m ready. If an offer comes in, I’ll find out what’s best for me.’

Sanches burst onto the scene six years ago at the age of 18, as he starred in Portugal’s run to glory at Euro 2016. He had also helped Benfica win a league and cup double the previous season.

He moved to Bayern Munich but failed to live up to expectations and also had a difficult loan spell in the Premier League with Swansea City. 

Lille are open to letting the Portuguese international leave the club if the right offer arrives

Granit Xhaka continues to be a liability in midfield for Arsenal with his reckless tackling

However, the 24-year-old’s career has been reinvigorated during his time with Lille and he is now on the radar of Europe’s top clubs once again.

Sanches has 18 months left on his contract in northern France but is not looking to sign an extension and the Ligue 1 side are open to letting him leave if the right offer comes in.

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are Arsenal’s current starting midfielders, but the latter in particular continues to be a liability with his reckless tackling and has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.