Arsenal reportedly face growing competition from Liverpool for Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano, with the Reds prepared to pay up to £51million.
The Gunners have monitored the Japan international following his impressive performances in the Bundesliga and at the World Cup.
However, Liverpool are now described as the leading contenders for his signature.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering an offer worth up to €60million, around £51m, for the 25-year-old.
Mainz are open to a sale should their valuation be met, but no formal bid has yet been confirmed. Arsenal and Tottenham are also credited with an interest.
Liverpool threaten Arsenal’s midfield option
Sano has developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most highly regarded defensive midfielders since joining Mainz from Kashima Antlers in 2024.
He offers defensive intensity, strong ball recovery and the ability to progress possession under pressure.
Those qualities could make him an alternative to Bruno Guimarães, with Newcastle demanding close to £100m for their captain.
Liverpool’s reported willingness to meet Mainz’s price could force Arsenal to decide whether Sano represents genuine value or merely another option assessed by Andrea Berta.
As Read Arsenal recently reported, Berta regularly progresses negotiations for several players before selecting the strongest deal.
Sano remains under contract until 2028, giving Mainz control over any discussions and the ability to demand a club-record fee.
Arsenal have not submitted a confirmed offer and there is no indication that talks are advanced.
Liverpool appear to have moved into a stronger position, but the race will only become clearer once one of the interested clubs makes a formal approach.
