Arsenal targets Leroy Sane for summer free transfer

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is interested in signing Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich as the player's contract talks are currently stalled. Sane, who previously played under Arteta at Manchester City, will be a free agent at the end of the season, which could allow Arsenal to acquire him without a transfer fee. Despite facing injuries to key players, Arsenal chose not to strengthen their attack during the January transfer window. This decision frustrated fans, especially after injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz. Many supporters believe these injuries could affect the team's chances of winning the Premier League title. With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal is prioritizing the addition of attacking options. Reports indicate that there are no ongoing negotiations between Sane and Bayern for a new contract. Sane has previously been linked to a move back to England, and Newcastle was also mentioned as a potential destination. In other news, Arsenal's young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is celebrating his 18th birthday today. He can now join the senior dressing room, as age restrictions are no longer a barrier. Nwaneri will not be celebrating like a typical teenager, as he is focused on preparing for a friendly match with England U21s against France. Arsenal recently secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, maintaining an unbeaten record against London rivals since August 2021. Arteta has been praised for improving the team's performance against top clubs, but the team has struggled against lesser opponents, which could impact their title chase. Midfielder Mikel Merino, currently in good form, scored a late goal for Spain in a Nations League match. He has been versatile for Arsenal, playing both midfield and striker roles due to injuries in the squad. Arsenal is preparing for a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next month, and Merino has valuable insights to share with teammates. Finally, injuries, especially hamstring problems, continue to affect Premier League teams. Arsenal and Chelsea are among clubs dealing with key players sidelined due to such injuries. However, medical advancements mean that players can often return stronger than before, providing some optimism for teams dealing with these challenges.