Arsenal and Newcastle are reportedly monitoring the situation of Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane who rejected Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City four years ago.
The forward was loosely linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena over the summer, though Kingsley Coman’s desire to leave the club – which he later U-turned on – saw suitors turn their attention to the France international instead.
However, with Sane into the final 12 months of his contract with Bayern, speculation is beginning to grow about where the future lies for the Germany international despite the Bundesliga outfit being keen to retain his services.
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According to Caught Offside, Sane is ‘not happy’ with a recent proposal from Bayern which would see him lower his salary to sign a new deal. The ex-Manchester City star is not willing to put pen to paper on those terms as it stands.
Negotiations hitting an early stumbling block has caught the eye of top clubs around Europe, with Arsenal and Newcastle both reportedly monitoring the situation closely in case Sane becomes a free agent next summer.
Both clubs are aware that they will be in the market for attacking reinforcements in 12 months, though Arsenal are hoping that Raheem Sterling impresses at the Emirates Stadium on loan in the meantime.
Newcastle were keen to sign a right-winger over the summer but a late move for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga was unsuccessful and Eddie Howe has been forced to settle for his current options in the final third.
However, the ex-Bournemouth boss is a ‘big fan’ of Sane and would relish the chance to work with him.
Bayern are in no hurry to offload Sane despite his contract situation though and January bids which fall below their £33.7million asking price will not be entertained. Arsenal and Newcastle feel that £25m is a sufficient bid at this stage.
It remains to be seen whether Sane would be keen to return to the Premier League, having enjoyed three successful seasons with City.
Pep Guardiola was keen to keep the winger at the Etihad Stadium when Bayern initially registered an interest in the ex-Schalke star but publicly conceded that the club would not keep players against their will.
Speaking in 2019, he said: “The club made him an offer last year... I have said many times, we want people happy to be here. He knows, they all know... how difficult it is to play (regularly), because of the quality we have.
“But at the same time, I spoke to the club 10 times (to say) I want people here to be happy. If they don't want, they go. The desire to have him... is always there."
Sane ended up moving on but has never truly hit the same heights he hit at City when he was regarded one of the best left-sided forwards in world football.
