The agent of Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane has suggested that contract talks with the club are heading in the right direction amid links with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Both North London giants are believed to be monitoring the Germany international's situation, as he could leave the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer in the upcoming window as things stand.
Even though Sane will celebrate his 30th birthday next year, the opportunity to sign a player of his calibre without paying a penny to Bayern is one that neither Arsenal nor Spurs are likely to pass up.
The former Manchester City man has produced 61 goals and 55 assists from 220 matches for Bayern Munich over the past five years, having departed the Etihad for the Allianz Arena in 2020.
Sane's adventure with the German champions could yet continue a little while longer, as his agent Pini Zahavi has now revealed that a "nice meeting" took place with Bayern's management.
Sane agent holds "nice meeting" with Bayern chiefs
© Imago
"We had a very good dinner, it was a nice dinner, I enjoyed it. But no news. I cannot speak about it, but it was a nice meeting," Zahavi told Sky Deutschland reporter Kerry Hau.
Sane has not penned a single contract extension at Bayern Munich since joining in 2020, and he is believed to earn around £243,000 a week at the Allianz Arena, according to Capology.
The ex-Man City man therefore pockets approximately £12.6m per year at Bayern, but that could increase to £13m with Bayern's contract proposal, where he would earn a base salary of £8.4m with £4.6m in performance-related add-ons.
Sane has so far shown no intention of accepting that deal, though, so Bayern are apparently weighing up whether to increase his fixed amount to £10.9m and bringing the variables down, the Daily Mail reports.
Sane came up with 13 goals and six assists in 45 matches for Vincent Kompany's side in the 2024-25 season, while he amassed 25 goals and 30 assists in 90 Premier League games while representing Man City.
Why Arsenal and Spurs must look for Sane alternatives ASAP
© Imago
Bayern Munich players almost running down their contracts is nothing new, but in the recent high-profile examples of this scenario unfolding, the outcome has been the same.
Alphonso Davies was seemingly destined to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. Joshua Kimmich was on Arsenal's radar for a few weeks. Both ended up extending at the Allianz Arena.
Zahavi's comments suggest that the Sane situation could play out in exactly the same way, thus forcing Arsenal and Tottenham to pursue alternative targets on the flanks.
AC Milan's Rafael Leao, Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams and Real Madrid's Rodrygo are believed to be on Arsenal's shortlist, as is Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens, and Spurs could inadvertently help the Gunners with their pursuit of the latter.
Ben Knapton
