Arsenal are reportedly in the hunt for Ruben Neves and will challenge Barcelona in the chase for the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder.
According to SPORT, Arsenal are ready to challenge Barcelona for the signature of Ruben Neves in the summer. The Gunners, alongside the Catalan giants, were interested in the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, but his price tag was too high in the summer. But new doors could be opened next year as the Gunners are ready to sign the 25-year-old Portuguese international.
Arsenal were on the verge of signing a midfielder until deadline day, but the story went against them. Mikel Arteta had earmarked bringing in a new player in the central position, but a few of their pursuits did not go to plan. The likes of Youri Tielemans and Douglas Luiz were on their list, but Arsenal somehow could not manage to pursue them any further.
Ruben Neves was also a target for the Gunners, and a move could have materialised had Wolverhampton Wanderers agreed to a decent figure for his release. Instead, the Midlands clubs demanded a high fee, reportedly in the region of €50-60 million, for the 25-year-old Portuguese international, putting off suitors.
The Gunners are expected to sign a new midfielder next summer or in January if they can get the right deal. Links with Luiz persist, but they might go back for Neves if the conditions are right. His price tag will certainly be expected to slash considerably, given he will enter the final year of his Wolves contract.
Moreover, there are indications Neves may not be eager to renew terms at the Molineux, possibly forcing Wolves to listen and contemplate offers from suitors. Standing between them and the midfielder are Barcelona, who were also keen on signing the 25-year-old Portuguese international.
Barcelona continued their struggles in balancing their books, but that did not deter their pursuit of top players back in the summer. What Wolves demanded certainly was out of bounds for the Catalan giants, who may enter the market for a new midfielder if financial conditions align.
Barcelona expect Neves’s price tag to be slashed next summer, thus making a move favourable. Much will depend upon the player, who might explore the idea of staying put in the Premier League. However, the lure of signing for Barcelona could also become a tempting factor.
For now, the race is between Arsenal and Barcelona for the 25-year-old Portuguese midfielder. However, other clubs such as Manchester United and Manchester City have shown interest in the past. Hence it remains to be seen whether Neves will remain in England or move to Spain, with his departure from Wolves seeming all but certain.
