Mikel Arteta will prioritise a move for Pedro Neto in the summer, although he has earmarked Xavi Simons as an alternative target.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal will prioritise a versatile winger in the summer window and have set sights on Pedro Noto on priority. Mikel Arteta views the 23-year-old PL star as a critical cog to his setup but has an alternative target in Xavi Simons should the Gunners fail to recruit the Wolves star amid growing interest.
Arsenal to prioritise Pedro Neto move?
Mikel Arteta has long admired Pedro Neto as a viable target for Arsenal dating back a few years now. The Gunners boss wants a versatile presence on his wings and identified the 23-year-old PL star as someone who can play on both sides, while challenging the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Neto’s direct approach is what attracts Arteta towards him, although a move will prove complicated even in the summer window. Manchester City are one of the clubs keen, as Pep Guardiola also has similar ideas to Arteta for the winger.
Liverpool also considers him a viable replacement for Mohamed Salah should the Egyptian depart for a Saudi adventure next summer. Hence, Arsenal will have plenty of competition when chasing Neto, who appears to have overcome his persistent injury problems.
Neto has been superb for Wolves up until his hamstring injury earlier this season. Arteta had thought about a January move, but now Arsenal may have shelved their plans until the summer; he remains a priority target for the Gunners. However, their manager also has an alternative in mind should the club fail to recruit the 23-year-old PL star.
Arsenal considers Xavi Simons a viable alternative to Neto.
While Neto seems like Arsenal’s primary winger target, Arteta wants to stay realistic in the transfer market. Amid growing interest in the Wolves star, there are chances the Gunners might not sign the Portuguese international. Hence they have earmarked PSG’s Xavi Simons as an alternative target in the summer.
With seven goals and nine assists across all competitions for RB Leipzig, where he’s spending this season on loan from PSG, Simons has certainly proved he’s one of the hottest prospects in Europe. With ample senior football under his belt, there’s no surprise in seeing Arsenal and Barcelona being linked with a move.
Simons remains open to leaving PSG, whom he joined in a €4 million deal in the summer, as the Parisians exercised a buy-back clause. He has starred for Leipzig this season and could move in the summer. PSG, will undoubtedly demand a massive fee in exchange, something the likes of Arsenal or someone else will be compelled to pay up.
