Germany and Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane had looked destined to link back up with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal but instead is poised to sign a deal with Galatasaray
Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane has spoken of Galatasaray's desire and the size of the club when explaining his decision to move to Turkey. Sane was heavily linked with an Arsenal switch earlier in the transfer window but is now destined for Galatasaray on a three-year deal.
Sane's contract at Bayern Munich expires at the end of June. The Bavarian club named him in their Club World Cup squad amid hopes they could convince him to agree fresh terms, but he is now destined to move on after five years at the Allianz Arena.
Arsenal had appeared to have an early upper hand thanks to manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard previously worked with Sane at Manchester City, and a reunion appeared to be on the cards.
Instead, though, Galatasaray look to have won the race. The club have confirmed conversations with Sane and - while the deal is not quite official at the time of writing - the 29-year-old has arrived in Turkey and is on the verge of sealing a big-money three-year deal.
Sane's new club will go straight into the Champions League's league phase next season after beating rivals Fenerbahce to the Super Lig title. He joins fellow Germany international Kerem Demirbay in Istanbul, as well as former Premier League players including Mario Lemina and Davinson Sanchez.
"There were many offers. But Galatasaray as a whole impressed me greatly,’ Sane told Turkish media (via Metro). "I was very impressed by the atmosphere, by the size of the club, by how much they wanted me, by how much interest they showed in me. That’s why I’m here at Galatasaray.
‘The atmosphere here was always amazing. It was very, very loud. That’s why I’m happy to be back. I can’t wait to play my first game in front of the fans."
Sane isn't the only long-serving star set to leave Bayern this summer. Thomas Muller is also moving on, having spent his entire career with the club, and has spoken about his own farewell at the Club World Cup.
“We're basically going into the tournament to win matches – and that starts with the first match, of course,” the Germany international said. “The spirit is laid down, the coach has also left no questions there. He's made it clear: we want to win the thing.
“I’m just happy to be here," Muller added ahead of the opening group game against Auckland City. “Obviously the nicest thing for me is being on the football pitch.”
Bayern will play their first group game on June 15, with matches against Boca Juniors and Benfica to follow. If they top their group, their round of 16 tie will take place in Charlotte on June 28.