Arsenal have been encouraged to pursue a move for Ruben Neves, but Wolves’ asking price and considerable interest from elsewhere may prove problematic.
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal are prioritising a move for Ruben Neves in the summer, with Mikel Arteta eyeing a new midfielder. The potential asking price Wolves may demand, and the considerable interest from clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona may threaten any possible move for the Portuguese midfielder to the Emirates.
Ruben Neves was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal last summer when Granit Xhaka seemed destined to leave for AS Roma. The Swiss international stayed and signed a new deal at the Emirates, which ended any possibility of signing the Wolves midfielder.
The Portuguese international has continued to perform consistently under Bruno Lage this term, which may be his last at the Midlands club. Neves will have two years left in the summer as he angles a move to a bigger team.
Wolves are open to his departure and want up to £60 million from suitors. The price may seem steep, but in return, teams will get a top-notch Premier League quality midfielder. The prospect of signing him entices Arsenal, who are back in the hunt for a new player in the central position.
It is unclear whether the new midfielder will replace Xhaka or becomes an addition to increase squad depth. In Arteta’s new system at Arsenal, a player like Neves would thrive from a no.8 position. His energy and driving style is what Arsenal are missing currently and wants to rectify using the transfer window.
There is considerable interest from other clubs, with Barcelona reportedly keen on signing Neves. Manchester United and Tottenham have been credited with interest, too. Spurs only signed Rodrigo Bentancur in January, which rules them out of the race, while Manchester United are yet to draw out concrete transfer plans.
It has been reported that potential new boss Erik ten Hag is keen to see Neves joining Manchester United. However, with both the Red Devils unclear about their plans to sign the midfielder, Arsenal are encouraged to broker a deal with Wolves.
Neves will be a great addition to Arteta’s squad as he continues to play in the style required at the Emirates. The transfer fee of around £60 million may become a problem for Arsenal to complete a deal. However, with two years left on his deal, the Gunners may look to negotiate and bring the asking price down to a reasonable sum, although Manchester United and Barcelona might have something to say on the matters.
