Arsenal pathway to perfect £60m transfer clears with January wrongs to be righted
Concerns and doubts among three rivals has given Arsenal a clear pathway to the transfer of Wolves ace Ruben Neves this summer, per a report.
Arsenal are expected to address two specific areas of their squad when the transfer window opens – centre-forward and central midfield. Their pursuit of a reliable goalscorer will no doubt grab the headlines, but whoever is drafted in to compliment the engine room will be no less important.
Football Insider recently reported Arsenal are expected to bid for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz this summer.
The publication somewhat surprisingly claimed Villa are likely to accept a suitable bid if tabled. That stance stems from Steven Gerrard already having identified two superior upgrades they’ll target this summer.
Now, Sky Sports confirm Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian. However, of greater importance in their story is the news Arsenal have made Wolves ace Ruben Neves a ‘top target’
Sky reaffirm Arsenal’s desire to upgrade their options in central midfield. The future of Granit Xhaka remains uncertain with the Swiss international still on Jose Mourinho’s radar at Roma.
What’s more, Mohamed Elneny is due to depart as a free agent.
As such, providing Thomas Partey with an elite partner is now a ‘priority’ and Neves fits the bill.
£50m-£60m can seal Ruben Neves switch
Wolves reportedly value the Portuguese international between the £50m-£60m range. Given his contract runs until 2024, they’re in a strong enough position to play hard ball on the fee.
There is unsurprisingly widespread interest in a player of Neves’ calibre. However, Sky explain why Arsenal could be the favourites to land Neves this summer.
Firstly, Barcelona’s interest levels are deemed ‘considerable’. However, it’s still unclear what level of spending the Spaniards will be able to muster in the market.
Bitter rivals Tottenham as well as Manchester United are also admirers of Neves.
However, Tottenham signed Rodrigo Bentancur in January who plays in Neves’ position. Bentancur has hit the ground running at Spurs and it’s thus hinted Tottenham won’t push as hard as Arsenal would for Neves.
United, meanwhile, are yet to appoint a permanent manager. Erik Ten Hag seems destined to take the reins, though with the Dutchman not yet in place, United’s transfer plans aren’t finalised.
That leaves Arsenal best placed to pursue Ruben Neves as they seek to right the wrongs of January.
The Gunners failed to sign a single player in the winter window and that decision is now coming back to bite.
A central midfield addition was pursued in January, most notably with Arthur Melo from Juventus.
However, the two clubs could not reach an agreement on the length of the Brazilian’s initial loan spell. It was reported at the time Juventus wanted an 18-month move, while Arsenal would only commit to six months.
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