Man Utd, Arsenal warned ‘no discounts’ in battle for €40m midfield star
Manchester United and Arsenal are in a two-way battle for the signature of exit-linked Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, according to one reporter.
Neves has been an influential player for Wolves since making a surprise move from Porto in 2017. He has made 176 appearances across four seasons, remaining at the core of their team. However, as the club rebuild following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo and appointment of Bruno Lage, Neves’ future is unclear.
Reports have suggested that Neves is on the transfer list as Wolves look to replenish their squad. While he remains an important player, they could receive a big fee for him to reinvest in other areas.
The Portugal international has since been heavily linked with Arsenal, who could see him as a replacement for Granit Xhaka if the Switzerland star moves to Roma. But according to SportItalia journalist Rudy Galetti, Man Utd are also interested in Neves.
The reporter claims the two Premier League clubs could go “head to head” for the 24-year-old. What’s more, it is very feasible that he “could leave” Molineux.
To do so, though, Wolves must receive their asking price. Currently, that stands at €40m, and it does not seem likely to drop.
Neves is under contract until 2024, so Wolves are not under pressure to sell. However, if the right offer comes along, they will be happy to let him leave.
They may have been in the Championship when they signed him originally, but Neves has Champions League experience from his time with Porto. Therefore, he should be more than capable of making the step up to a more traditional European challenger.
Arsenal do not have European football on offer next season. But with a few smart signings they could get back where they belong.
Beaten Europa League finalists Man Utd, meanwhile, will be back in the Champions League and keen for success across all competitions.
Man Utd have other midfield targets
It seems Arsenal have a greater need for Neves than Man Utd do. Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi could both follow Xhaka away, while Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard have already left after their loan spells ended.
Besides, Sunday’s papers suggested United had their eyes on another Premier League midfielder…
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