Arsenal have reportedly missed out in the race to sign Renato Sanches, the Lille midfielder seemingly on the brink of signing for Paris Saint-Germain.
Having made a positive impression during his time in France, Sanches has been linked with a move to a top European club for a number of transfer windows.
A knee injury led to the likes of AC Milan and Wolverhampton Wanderers stalling on a move in 2021, while the Portugal international remained at his current club in January.
However, with less than a year remaining on his contract and the player not being interested in a renewal, Lille have needed to be open to offers this summer.
For a number of months, Arsenal have been deemed to be a frontrunner for Sanches, but it now appears that the former Swansea City loanee will not be returning to the Premier League.
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According to Ojogo, PSG have now effectively moved to the brink of announcing a deal for Sanches.
The report suggests that PSG intend to confirm a transfer by the end of the week having agreed to sign the 24-year-old initially on a loan deal.
Given the player's contract situation, a mandatory fee has needed to be agreed with Lille set to receive €10m at the end of the season.
Should a transfer be confirmed in due course, Sanches would follow Portuguese compatriot Vitinha in making the switch to Parc des Princes.
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In response, PSG are expected to part ways with at least one of their current crop, with Georginio Wijnaldum in line to sign for Roma on a season-long loan deal.
Leandro Paredes has also been linked with a transfer to Juventus, although that may only occur in a part-exchange deal with former PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
Sanches will leave Lille having made a total of 84 appearances during his three years in all competitions at Stade Pierre Mauroy.
In terms of alternatives, Lille have already signed the likes of Jonas Martin and Remy Cabella from Rennes and Montpellier HSC respectively.
Darren Plant
