Report: Gunners-linked star chooses new challenge in Turkey | OneFootball

Leroy Sané Chooses Galatasaray Over Arsenal: What It Means for Both Clubs

Sané’s Next Chapter: Turkey Beckons

Leroy Sané, the German international and former Manchester City winger, has reportedly chosen Galatasaray as his next destination, according to CaughtOffside. With his Bayern Munich contract winding down, the 29-year-old had been the subject of speculation, with Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe among the interested parties. Ultimately, it was Galatasaray’s convincing project and summer transfer plans that swung the deal.

“Sources close to the situation have informed CaughtOffside that the player has opted to join Galatasaray after the Turkish outfit assured him of quality signings this summer.” While Fenerbahçe were prepared to offer a more lucrative deal, Sané appears to have prioritised sporting ambition over salary.

Arsenal Interest Fizzles Out

Sané’s name has long been linked with Arsenal, a club in search of depth and creativity in the attacking third. With Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka carrying a heavy workload, Mikel Arteta could certainly benefit from a player of Sané’s pedigree and versatility.

“Apparently, Sane waited for an improved offer from the North London outfit before deciding on his future, but the Gunners never really followed up on their initial proposal with a better offer.” It’s a sentence that will sting for some Arsenal fans, especially given the need for reinforcements ahead of another title charge.

Sané’s numbers remain impressive: 13 goals and 6 assists last season for Bayern Munich. His Premier League experience with Manchester City would have been an added advantage, allowing him to hit the ground running.

Missed Opportunity for the Gunners

From a tactical standpoint, Sané could have slotted seamlessly into Arsenal’s fluid front three. His pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal remain potent weapons, and his title-winning experience could have helped inject steel into Arsenal’s final third.

Photo: IMAGO

“Sané has shown his ability in England with Manchester City in the past and he could have made an instant impact at Arsenal.” The fact that Arsenal didn’t return with an improved offer suggests the club may be prioritising other targets – or perhaps banking on internal development.

Galatasaray Get a Proven Talent

Sané’s move to Galatasaray marks a significant coup for the Turkish champions. At 29, he remains in his prime and should thrive in the Super Lig, where his physicality and technical quality could set him apart.

“There is no doubt that he has the physicality and technical attributes to do well in Turkish football, and he could be a star for Galatasaray next season.” With Champions League ambitions and a reinvigorated project, the Istanbul giants are clearly aiming high.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, Sané’s decision to join Galatasaray feels like a missed chance — but not necessarily a disaster. There’s no doubt Sané would’ve brought instant quality. His ability to play on either wing, contribute goals, and offer veteran experience in big games would have strengthened Arsenal’s squad depth – something that proved pivotal in the tight title race with Manchester City last season.

That said, it’s worth remembering that Sané comes with baggage: a patchy injury record, inconsistent spells at Bayern, and the kind of wages that might have disrupted Arsenal’s wage structure. The club appears to be targeting younger, hungrier talent in line with its long-term philosophy. In that light, walking away from the deal might have been a calculated decision.

It’s also encouraging that Arsenal are reportedly active in other areas of the market. If reinforcements are coming — particularly a natural winger or a creative midfielder — then fans might soon forget Sané was ever on the radar.

Still, seeing a player of Sané’s calibre wait for an Arsenal offer that never came is a reminder of how close the margins are. With the Gunners now expected to push again for the Premier League title and make a deeper Champions League run, every decision in this summer window carries weight.