The race to sign Leroy Sane, one of the most valuable free agents on the market next summer, is heating up, with both Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly preparing to battle for the Bayern Munich winger.
With both Premier League clubs keen to bolster their attacking options, particularly in wide areas, Sane has become a key target for two of the biggest names in English football.
Sane, who is now in his fifth season with Bayern Munich, is set to become one of the most sought-after players on the transfer market in 2025. The 28-year-old has been a standout performer for Bayern since joining the club in a £45 million move from Manchester City in 2020. Despite a few bumps in the road, including his ongoing contract situation in Bavaria, Sane’s quality on the ball, blistering pace, and ability to deliver match-winning moments have kept him at the forefront of elite clubs’ wishlists.
Bayern Munich’s reluctance to let Sane go in January, as reported by German outlet Sky Deutschland, is a sign of how highly they value the winger, but with the player’s contract set to expire in 2025, the clock is ticking for both Bayern and potential suitors. The German club has reportedly tried to lower Sane’s salary, aiming to trim costs in a financially tight environment, but the winger has resisted taking a pay cut. Currently, Sane earns up to €20 million (£16.5m) annually at Bayern, but the club is seeking to reduce his wages by €2-4 million (£1.7-3.3m), which could be a sticking point for the player.
For Manchester United and Arsenal, the prospect of signing a player of Sane’s quality on a free transfer is too good to pass up. Both clubs are looking to strengthen their attacking ranks, and Sane fits the profile of the type of high-caliber talent that could make a significant impact in the Premier League. The ability to land such a player without paying a transfer fee could be a game-changer for either team as they aim to challenge for top honors domestically and in Europe.
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The winger’s value on the open market is not to be underestimated. According to the latest FootballTransfers and SciSports report, Sane’s estimated transfer value (ETV) stands at €43.1 million (£35.7m/$45m), a figure that puts him ahead of some of the world’s biggest stars. His current market value outstrips his Bayern teammate Joshua Kimmich (€39.1m) and highly-rated Lille striker Jonathan David (€34.7m). Despite his contract situation, Sane is seen as one of the most valuable free agents available, making him a tantalizing prospect for clubs in need of attacking reinforcements.
Bayern Munich’s decision to cut back on wages across the squad has had a knock-on effect on several key players, with Sane, Kimmich, and even goalkeeper Manuel Neuer all set for contract negotiations that could see their wages reduced. Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, is reportedly keen on trimming costs, which may force the club into a difficult decision regarding Sane’s future.
Despite these challenges, it seems unlikely that Bayern will part ways with Sane in the winter transfer window. The club is focused on competing for silverware across multiple fronts, including a tight race for the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen. As such, any potential sale of Sane would likely come in the summer of 2025, when clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal are expected to be more active in the transfer market.
For Sane, the allure of a Premier League move is strong. Having previously enjoyed a successful spell in England with Manchester City, where he won multiple Premier League titles, League Cups, and an FA Cup, the winger is familiar with the demands and rewards of top-flight football in the UK. His time at City, which included winning back-to-back Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019, has cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe.
Sane’s potential move to Manchester United or Arsenal could offer him a new challenge in England, and both clubs will be looking to add a player of his pedigree to their squads. United, in particular, have struggled in wide areas this season, with players like Antony failing to live up to expectations since his high-profile move from Ajax. Reports suggest that Manchester United have already made initial inquiries about Sane’s availability, with the player seemingly open to a move if the right offer comes along.
Arsenal, too, have their eye on Sane, although their situation is slightly different. The Gunners have already made a number of high-profile signings in recent windows, but with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard establishing themselves as key players, there may be room for another winger to complement their attacking setup. Sane’s pace and directness would certainly add another dimension to Mikel Arteta’s squad, especially as they look to maintain their Premier League title challenge and strengthen for their next push in Europe.
As Bayern Munich’s season progresses, it seems increasingly likely that Sane will make his decision regarding his future sooner rather than later. While Bayern would prefer to retain the winger for at least the remainder of this campaign, the club’s financial restructuring could force a parting of ways in the summer. This could open the door for Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal to secure the signing of a player who has proven himself at the very highest level in England and Germany.
Sane’s ability to play both as a winger and as an inside-forward, combined with his pace and technical ability, makes him one of the most versatile attackers available on the market. For United or Arsenal, his arrival would provide an instant upgrade to their attacking options, especially in wide positions where both teams have struggled for consistency at times this season.
The decision to offload Antony at Manchester United and Raheem Sterling at Arsenal appears to be part of both clubs’ plans to make room for new additions. Antony has failed to deliver the expected level of impact at Old Trafford, and his departure could free up space for Sane. Similarly, Sterling, currently on loan at Arsenal, has struggled for minutes in a crowded attacking setup and could find himself moved on to make way for a bigger name in the coming months.
As we move toward the January transfer window, expect the saga surrounding Sane’s future to intensify. With the possibility of a free transfer looming, both Manchester United and Arsenal will likely make their intentions clear as they look to add a top-class winger to their ranks. Sane’s decision could have a significant impact on the landscape of the Premier League, as the two clubs battle for supremacy in what promises to be a fiercely competitive summer transfer window.
In the coming months, both clubs will likely continue to monitor the situation closely, but one thing is clear: Leroy Sane is set to become one of the most coveted players of the 2025 transfer market, and his eventual destination could shape the future of both Manchester United and Arsenal as they look to bolster their squads ahead of next season.