Manchester United are reportedly in discussions over a possible move for Ruben Neves, who is also a target for Arsenal, this summer.
According to Dean Smith on the Football Terrace Podcast, as relayed by Daily Express, Manchester United seem to have taken the initial steps to sign Ruben Neves in the summer transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights are currently in discussions with Wolverhampton Wanderers over a move for the Portuguese international, who is also a target for Arsenal.
Ruben Neves joined Wolves from FC Porto in a shock move in the summer of 2017. The 24-year-old played his part in the Black Country outfit’s promotion bid, with the club returning to the top-flight on the back of a solid 2017/18 campaign. Over the last three years, the Portuguese international has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
To date, the 24-year-old has made 176 appearances for Wolves, chipping in with a handy tally of 20 goals and 10 assists as well. His progress since arriving in England has attracted quite a few top clubs in the Premier League and beyond. As things stand, Manchester United and Arsenal are the prospective suitors for the summer transfer window.
Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in Neves, with this interest being reignited of late. A potential pursuit of the Wolves midfielder makes a great deal of sense, considering Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has started phasing Nemanja Matic out gradually. Such an outlook begets the arrival of a long-term replacement, with Neves being a viable target.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have recently emerged in pursuit of the 24-year-old, with the player certainly an option worth considering for the Gunners. Following the departure of Dani Ceballos at the end of his loan spell, the north Londoners were already in need of filling the Spaniard’s void.
However, Arsenal’s need for a central midfielder has become even more urgent in recent weeks amid widespread speculation linking Granit Xhaka with a move to AS Roma. Having said that, it is Manchester United who have taken steps to land Neves, with discussions with Wolves underway.
As per Dean Smith on the Football Terrace Podcast (h/t Daily Express), “In midfield, Ruben Neves is still a player they’re not having major talks with but they’re still in discussions there. Arsenal are the ones that keep being linked wth Ruben Neves but United are still in that conversation.”
What now remains to be seen is if Manchester United end up launching the offensive for Neves anytime soon or if Arsenal leap into action. What does appear to be certain is that the race to sign the Portuguese international from Wolves is heating up, with both the Premier League giants eager to bolster their midfield this summer.
