Midfield race heats up as Liverpool, Arsenal and United eye Mainz star

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all scouting Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano to plug perceived gaps in creativity and balance, after his 48‑appearance season that yielded two goals, five assists and a World Cup strike for Japan, prompting interest from several elite clubs. Sano featured 48 times for Mainz last season, contributing two goals and five assists while establishing himself as a dependable presence in midfield. His consistency earned him recognition as one of the more intriguing midfielders on the European market, according to reports. He added to his profile by scoring for Japan in their World Cup round‑of‑32 defeat to Brazil, although the goal could not prevent a 2‑1 loss. The strike highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

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Sano is contracted with Mainz until 2028, giving the Bundesliga side a strong negotiating position. Mainz remain under little pressure to sell, strengthening their bargaining stance. Previous reports have placed his valuation between €50 million and €60 million. Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have each identified him as a potential solution to midfield needs. Liverpool fans see him as a technically gifted option that could add energy and tactical intelligence, Arsenal supporters value his consistency and versatility, while United followers consider him a reliable performer to improve balance. Borussia Dortmund is also reported to be monitoring the 25‑year‑old, adding further competition for his signature. Any deal would therefore require a significant financial outlay to meet Mainz’s expectations. As the summer window progresses, clubs must weigh the investment against the risk of losing the player to a rival, while Mainz’s firm stance suggests negotiations could be protracted. The outcome will hinge on whether the interested clubs are prepared to meet the €50‑60 million price tag.