Arsenal’s summer midfield hunt just got even more interesting. The Gunners have been tracking Mainz 05’s Kaishu Sano for months, but the Bundesliga club’s sporting director has finally spoken out and his message is clear.
Christian Heidel isn’t in any rush to sell.
Speaking to Bild, Heidel said:
“We don’t have to sell Kaishu and can afford to keep him. If he stays, there will be a lot of happy people in the team, at the club, and around it.”
That’s a strong opening hand. But he didn’t slam the door shut entirely.
“It’s always the same at Mainz 05. If an offer comes in that leaves us gasping for air, we have to think about it,” Heidel added.
So what exactly would leave Mainz gasping? According to Sport Bild, the club is holding out for a fee of up to €60 million. That figure would smash their previous record — the €31.5 million they received when Brajan Gruda moved to Brighton in 2024.
Why Arsenal Want Sano
It’s not hard to see the appeal. Sano, 25, has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent defensive midfielders since arriving from Kashima Antlers for just €2.5 million two years ago. That’s a staggering return on investment for Mainz.
His numbers from the 2025/26 season tell the story:
- 34 Bundesliga appearances, starting almost every match
- 3,060 minutes played
- 339 tackles won
- 7 goal contributions across all competitions (48 games)
Then came the 2026 World Cup, where he truly announced himself. Playing for Japan, he scored a stunning solo goal against Brazil in the Round of 32 — winning the ball, driving through midfield, and finishing from distance. It was the kind of moment that makes scouts sit up.
Arsenal, as reigning Premier League champions, aren’t standing still. Sky Sports reported that central midfield and left wing are the club’s top priorities this summer. Mikel Arteta already has Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino at his disposal. But Christian Norgaard has been linked with an exit, and Merino struggled with fitness issues last season.
Sano’s profile — a tireless ball-winner who’s comfortable in possession — fits Arteta’s system well.
Arsenal Aren’t Alone in This Race
Here’s the catch. Arsenal aren’t the only Premier League club circling.
Liverpool are reportedly the frontrunners and, according to Sport Bild via Bulinews, are willing to match Mainz’s €60 million asking price. They’ve already contacted Sano’s representatives about personal terms, per German outlet FussballDaten.
Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked. TEAMtalk reported that Tottenham held talks with Sano’s camp too, though their midfield is already well-stocked after signing Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
That kind of competition could drive the price even higher. And with Sano’s contract running until 2028, Mainz hold all the leverage. There’s no urgency on their side.
What Happens Next?
This is where it gets tricky for Arsenal. Do they go big and meet Mainz’s valuation, or do they explore cheaper alternatives like Alex Scott from Bournemouth?
Heidel’s been careful with his wording. He hasn’t named any clubs. He hasn’t set a deadline. He’s simply positioned Mainz to get the best possible deal.
“We have a player who is generating a lot of interest,” Heidel told reporters earlier this summer. “If, in our view, it’s not high enough for the player’s market value, then it’s also possible that Kaishu will stay with us longer.”
For Arsenal, that means one thing: act decisively or risk losing out. A player who cost Mainz €2.5 million could now command 24 times that amount. That’s the reality of waiting too long in modern football.
The transfer window won’t stay open forever. And Kaishu Sano won’t stay at Mainz forever either.
