So far in January, the Arsenal transfer rumors have centered on two players.

The attention has been on Arthur Melo, a Juventus midfielder who appears to be interested in joining the North Londoners on loan.

And it’s centered on Fiorentina and Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic, who, despite incessant talk, still appears unlikely to join Arsenal.

The Gunners’ first signing of the summer window, though, may not be one of them.

Is it possible that Renato Sanches is the player Arsenal could sign?

“Maybe Milan and Arsenal are interested, but I don’t know,” the Portugal international told L’Equipe on Saturday, referring to Arsenal as one of the teams interested in signing him. I spoke with my agent, and I’m aware of which teams are contacting me, but I can’t reveal at this time. But I’m confident that I’m prepared. I’ll figure out what’s best for me if an offer comes in.”

Calciomercato stated on November 23 of last year that North Londoners technical director Edu intended to recruit Sanches to the Emirates Stadium.

Given that Sanches mentioned Arsenal’s interest only a few days ago, it’s possible that the Brazilian director has been quietly working on this deal.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who was once courted by Gabriel Magalhaes to join the Emirates Stadoum club, has made it obvious that he will not be remaining at Lille.

However, with his contract set to expire in 18 months, the Ligue 1 club may be tempted to sell now rather than wait until the summer, when his worth would plummet even further.

Sanches is currently as valuable as he will ever be, which might lead to Arsenal making an offer.

Despite all of the hype about Arthur and Vlahovic – and there has been much of it – Sanches’ words suggest that he is very much an Arsenal target, and it will be interesting to see if anything happens in the final week of the transfer window.