Liverpool face competition to sign Renato Sanches this summer

If Liverpool are, in fact, wanting to sign Renato Sanches as a Georginio Wijnaldum replacement, they will go head-to-head with Arsenal, Juventus, and Inter Milan, with all the clubs mentioned interested in his services.

Renato Sanches, like last summer window, has been linked with a number of big clubs around Europe; Liverpool being the most constant of the lot. Following a stellar showing for Portugal at Euro 2020, more names have been thrown into the hat as potential Sanches suitors.

All English Premier League

Included in the recent developments, it is believed that Liverpool are in pole position to sign the midfielder, and agreeing on personal terms as well as paying the asking price for him will not be an issue, as they look to lock this deal up as quickly as possible.

Renato Sanches Lille link-up

The Reds Premier League rivals, the Gunners, have some pulling power or a big influence in their camp that could see them lure the explosive midfielder to North London – this pulling power, centre-back Gabriel, who played with Renato in their time at Lille together.

The pair of ex-Lille men have been flirting online on social media, with Sanches asking for an invite to the Emirates in a reply to Gabriel’s message, “come to Arsenal”.

The Reds will be hoping this is nothing but fan hype and that their own Portuguese connection can help convince him Anfield is the place to be.

As things stand in the Renato Sanches saga

Liverpool are said to be in the lead for his signature. A fee of £30m is said to be enough for Lille to consider a deal. As per the agent, he is trying to make a move happen and believes the midfielder will not be in France next season with the Premier League the preferred destination.

The 23-year-old started 14 games for the Ligue 1 side, featuring a total of 23 times for them. In his time on the pitch, he scored one goal and added three assists.

But the important bit, despite only starting 14 games, he completed 822 passes of the 988 attempts – the eighth-best completion rate in the team. Keeping the ball at his feet, Sanchez completed 936 ball carries, being dispossessed as few as 31 times only.

He ranks seventh in his team for ball carries, and only behind players who have featured more time than him. He also brags the fourth-highest numbers for successful dribbles with 38 for the season.

These aforementioned stats of holding onto the ball and being able to turn defence into attack is where Gini thrived for Liverpool and what they need when looking at a replacement for the Dutchman.