Arsenal were very strong contenders to sign Bayern Munich attacker Leroy Sane and senior figures at the club held talks with him, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
However, the Gunners were considering their options, while the Germany international wanted a more immediate resolution, and an appealing proposition from Galatasaray has provided that.
The 29-year-old Arsenal target will now join the Turkish top-flight club on a three-year contract worth up to €15 million per year net following an agreement between both parties.
The North London club want to bolster their attacking options this summer, and manager Mikel Arteta was eyeing a reunion with Sane after their time together at Manchester City.
Signing such a talented and experienced forward for free would have been huge for the Gunners, but they have not acted quickly enough and he has opted to move elsewhere.
Arsenal will now have to look elsewhere in their search for an upgrade on their current options at left wing, and they must be ready to pay a premium for the services of one.
Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao is on their radar after the 24-year-old Brazilian ended 2024-25 with 18 goals and 19 assists in 47 appearances for the Eredivisie club, emerging as the Dutch Footballer of the Year, but whether he can perform better than Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard remains to be seen.
More attacking targets are expected to emerge as sporting director Andrea Berta keeps scouring the market for the perfect fit, but Arsenal need to be proactive going forward if they do not want to keep missing out on the best players in the market.
They risk missing out on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, and they could be left fighting over crumbs should they refuse to make the necessary moves in the coming weeks.
