Athletic Club are expecting heavy transfer interest in Oihan Sancet during the summer of 2026. The midfielder is tied down until 2032, but his €80m release clause has put top Premier League sides on alert.
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CONTRACT LOCKED UNTIL 2032
Athletic have followed their long-standing policy of securing key players to long-term deals. Just as Nico Williams signed a 10-year contract, Sancet is tied to San Mamés until 2032. That stance means the club will refuse to negotiate below his exit fee.
SANGET’S RISE IN LA LIGA
Now 25, Sancet has grown into one of La Liga’s most complete midfielders. He finished the 2024/25 season as the league’s top-scoring midfielder with 15 goals, helping Ernesto Valverde’s side qualify for the Champions League.
PREMIER LEAGUE INTEREST
According to Fichajes, four Premier League clubs are monitoring him closely: Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa. The two North London clubs, in particular, hope Champions League football will make them attractive options.
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CONDITIONS FOR A MOVE
Athletic will not entertain mid-season approaches in January. Any exit would depend on a summer move and only for his full €80m release clause. On Sancet’s side, reports suggest he will not leave Bilbao just to play in the Europa League.
ARSENAL CONNECTION
Mikel Arteta could prove a key figure in the race. He has already brought Basque midfielders Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi to the Emirates, and Sancet fits his model of a strong, all-action player in the centre of the pitch.
SANGET’S ATHLETIC JOURNEY
A product of Athletic’s famous academy, Sancet broke into the senior team in 2019. Since then he has played 197 games and scored 47 goals, becoming a vital part of the club’s identity and success.
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