Arsenal may have cooled down their interest in Pedro Neto, and his price tag could have played a significant role in that.
According to The Sun, Arsenal may end their pursuit of Pedro Neto, as a move for the Wolves winger looks increasingly unlikely at this stage of the window. The price quoted by Wolverhampton Wanderers could be the stumbling block, despite the fact the Gunners need a new wide attacker.
Arsenal could end the summer transfer window without making any more signings. As deadline day looms, fans expected to see new faces, particularly a wide attacker and a central midfielder. A few known names have been mentioned as targets, but a move seems no closer to completion.
Mikel Arteta has reiterated the club’s desire to bring in reinforcements, as he feels there are a few gaps left in the squad to fill. The incomings were reportedly contingent on unwanted players departing, which Arsenal have done a decent job at so far.
The latest to leave Arsenal was Nicolas Pepe, who has joined OGC Nice on loan. Arsenal were linked with a new winger, missing out on Raphinha in the summer. It felt like Arteta wanted a wide attacker irrespective of whether they found a solution for the Ivorian.
With Pepe gone, there is certainly room in the squad and wage bill to bring in a new winger, as calls are urging Arsenal to provide backup to Bukayo Saka. Pedro Neto was the latest name to be linked with a move, which excited Gunners fans.
Neto has reportedly been keen on sealing the move, although the stumbling block comes from Wolves. The Midlands club are not overly enthused about selling the Portuguese international at this stage of the summer transfer window. Bruno Lage has a few new players at his disposal, like Matheus Nunes and Goncalo Guedes but remains uninterested in letting the 22-year-old leave.
Moreover, Arsenal are unwilling to overspend on Neto, although they are prepared to pay a fair value. Neto, who only signed a new deal back in March, is tied until 2027, meaning, Wolves are relaxed, and it is believed they demanded £50 million for the winger.
Arsenal are not expected to match that asking price for a player they believe will be a quality backup in the current system. Hence, a move may be out of bounds for the Gunners, who could back away in the coming days.
Whether Arsenal pursue the 22-year-old winger further remains to be seen, but the signs are there for everyone to see. There could still be excitement around the deadline day, but as things stand, things look bleak regarding new incoming players at the Emirates.
