Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United have been linked with a move for 19-year-old Benfica midfielder Joao Neves.
Joao Neves is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in European football, and Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are keen on him. However, a report from Fichajes claims that they are unwilling to pay his €120 million release clause.
There is no doubt that Neves is a prodigious talent with a big future ahead of him. But he has done nothing to justify the reported price tag. He might be able to develop into a world-class player in the coming seasons, but paying €120 million for him right now would be a major gamble.
With that said, he should prove to be a quality acquisition for all three clubs. So, it is hardly surprising that Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are interested in signing the teenage sensation.
Joao Neves would improve Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United
Arsenal could certainly use a midfield controller like Neves, who will recycle possession and add creativity and control to the side. The 19-year-old could form a quality partnership with Declan Rice at the heart of the Arsenal midfield.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will have to bring in a quality replacement for Thiago Alcantara, who will be a free agent at the end of the season. The Spaniard is one of the best midfielders in the world, and Joao Neves could be the ideal long-term replacement for him.
As far as Manchester United are concerned, they will need to bring in upgrades on players like Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay if they want to challenge for major trophies in the coming seasons. Neves would be a solid long-term investment for them.
It will be interesting to see if the three clubs can convince Benfica to lower their demands in the coming months. The 19-year-old midfielder is likely to be tempted to move to the Premier League if the opportunity presents itself. It will be a major step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at a high level.
All three clubs have proven track record of nurturing young players into established stars, and they could help Joao Neves fulfil his world-class potential in the coming seasons.
