Arsenal have been heavily linked with a summer move for Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, but their hopes of bringing the German back to England may be slipping away.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Bayern sporting director Max Erbel is now planning to offer the 29-year-old a new contract.
Sane’s current deal runs out at the end of the season and is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
Arsenal were hoping to pounce, but the German has been hesitant to open talks with other clubs despite being repeatedly linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena.
The former Manchester City star started the season in fine form but has fallen out of favour in recent months.
However, Sane has proven that he can still be a valuable asset for the Bundesliga powerhouse.
Despite starting in just 14 of his 24 Bundesliga games, Sane has returned nine goals – including a brace in the recent 3-2 win against St. Pauli – and five assists while creating 12 big chances.
An upturn in form has changed the club’s stance, and they’re now willing to keep hold of Sane, which is a huge blow to Arsenal’s summer plans.
Plettenberg reports that Erbel – backed by the club’s board – is now working on a new contract proposal that would extend Sane’s stay until 2028.
It is understood that Sane is also keen to extend his stay at Bayern and is open to taking a pay cut to make that happen.
Arsenal are not throwing in the towel in their bid to land Sane, although they may be fighting a losing battle, with the player eager to sign a new deal.
Former Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann has encouraged the Gunners to offer Sane a “performance-based contract” to get the best out of him, but the German has his heart set on remaining in Bavaria.
The Gunners may be forced to turn their attention to other targets, including Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, who has also been strongly linked with a Premier League switch this summer.
