Romano urges Arsenal to avoid signing Serie A star

Cameron Smith

• 16 Jan 2024 14:23 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have been told to avoid signing Roma midfielder Renato Sanches by Fabrizio Romano, despite the fact he may be available in January.

The former Portugal international faces an uncertain future in Rome, after a dreadful loan move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Clubs in Turkey have reportedly expressed a desire to sign Sanches, but there is a limited supply of suitors following his struggles over the past few seasons.

According to Romano, several Arsenal fans have touted Sanches as a possible short-term solution following their pursuit of a new midfielder.

Amadou Onana, Douglas Luiz, Martin Zubimendi and Joao Palhinha are all of interest to Mikel Arteta’s side, but it seems as though they will be priced out of a January transfer.

However, Romano doesn’t think Arsenal should push to sign Sanches despite this.

What has Fabrizio Romano said?

“Sanches’ future at Roma looks in some doubt and he remains one to watch in the next two weeks,” the transfer expert told CaughtOffside.

“Roma still want him to find another club in January, but Paris Saint-Germain will only interrupt Roma loan if there’s another good bid for the player as he’s 100% not returning to PSG now.

"My understanding is that Besiktas and Olympiacos have called about Sanches, but the player wants to take some time before making a decision."

He continued by discussing a possible move to Arsenal: “In my opinion it wouldn’t be the right move – Arsenal need to go for a consistent player who can be always available.

“I like Renato but he’s been injured many times in recent years. Arsenal have already had injury problems with Thomas Partey, so it would be a risk.”

Sanches has made just nine appearances for Roma this season, with only three starts. The ex-Benfica wonderkid has totalled just 229 minutes of action across Serie A and the Europa League.