Wolves winger Pedro Neto reportedly prefers a Premier League switch over anywhere else, which could boost Arsenal chances of signing him in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (via his exclusive column on CaughtOffside), Wolves will “find it hard to keep” hold of Arsenal and Tottenham transfer target Pedro Neto this summer despite manager Gary O’Neil playing down the prospect of his star winger leaving the club anytime soon.
The fleet-footed Portuguese speedster is back at the peak of his powers after previously spending almost a year out between April 2021 and February 2022 following a major knee injury, and since overcoming two minor injury setbacks to his ankle and hamstring.
He has gone from strength to strength under Gary O’Neil’s tutelage this season, having scored three goals and provided eight assists in his 18 matches in all competitions this season.
The 23-year-old produced two sensational performances against Manchester United and Chelsea last month, and was outstanding again as Wolves beat Spurs 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. He looks ready to take the next step to an elite club and could attract a bidding war from big Premier League clubs.
Arsenal and Tottenham battling it out to sign Pedro Neto
Neto still has three years left on his current contract. There have been reports claiming that Wolves will look to move him on as they look to ensure they do not breach the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, despite the fact Wolves’ boss O’Neil has said that his side do not want to do not want to lose him in the summer.
Arsenal, who are described as long-term admirers of the 23-year-old, could push to sign him in the summer following a quiet January window. The Gunners are expected to continue their recent trend of investing in talented young footballers.
Neto fits the bill and has been earmarked as a potential positive addition to boss Mikel Arteta’s squad at the Emirates Stadium. His arrival could help ease the pressure on Bukayo Saka and also provide another dimension to the team’s attack.
The Gunners’ have been handed a further boost as transfer expert Romano has told CaughtOffside that the attacker would be keen to stay in England if he brings the curtain down on his Wolves career.
Romano said to CaughtOffside: “Despite what Wolves manager Gary O’Neil said, I think it’s going to be very difficult to keep Pedro Neto at Wolves next summer, this is my feeling.
“He’s appreciated by many clubs, he could stay in Premier League but move to top, top club in the summer.”
Having said that, prising him away from the Midlands would be complicated and certainly not cheap, as the Gunners are not his only suitors, with fellow north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur also in the fray after seeing him run riot against them over the weekend.
Neto’s versatility would certainly fit into Ange Postecoglou’s system, while his dribbling and outstanding one-on-one ability would bring in a much-needed skillset lacking from the current forward line.
