Ruben Neves is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona this summer amid interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Ruben Neves has been linked with clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United. However, a report from SPORT claims that the Portuguese international is keen on moving to Spotify Camp Nou this summer.
Neves has established himself as a reliable central midfielder in the Premier League, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for Barcelona. The Spanish giants are looking to bring in an alternative to club legend Sergio Busquets who is set to leave the club.
Neves is undoubtedly an exceptional passer and he could prove to be a quality addition to the Barcelona midfield. But he lacks the defensive qualities of Busquets and is unlikely to be the ideal alternative for the Spaniard. Barcelona will have to replace Busquets’s defensive qualities as well.
Recent reports have claimed that Barcelona might consider a part-exchange deal to sign the Portuguese international, with Ansu Fati heading the other way. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United are keen on the player as well.
The Gunners need to add a controller in the middle of the park, and Neves would be the ideal partner for Thomas Partey. Granit Xhaka is operating in an advanced role under Mikel Arteta this season, and pushing the Swiss international midfielder back into the midfield pivot would not be ideal.
Arsenal must look to bring in a specialist controller. and Neves seems like the ideal fit. He is well-settled in the Premier League and he could make an immediate impact at the north London club. Arsenal are pushing for the Premier League title, and they are likely to be an attractive destination for Neves.
Similarly, Manchester United will have to find a reliable partner for Casemiro as well. The Portuguese international has the quality to succeed at top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. But the Portuguese international is prioritising joining Barcelona instead of an English club.
It remains to be seen whether the two Premier League clubs can convince the Portuguese midfielder to join them instead of moving to Spain at the end of the season. The player has a market value of €40 million, and Arsenal and Manchester United certainly have the financial muscle to pull off his signing. But it will be interesting to see if Barcelona look to beat the two English clubs for his signature.
