Barcelona think twice about move for Wolves ace which could leave way clear for Prem rivals
Barcelona are having second thoughts regards a move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as the price could be too high.
The Catalan giants have long been linked with a move for Neves as they aim to replace Sergio Busquets. All good things must come to an end and Busquets time at the Nou Camp could be up.
Neves has been viewed as the perfect replacement for Busquets as he has his best years ahead of him. Indeed some reports have gone as far as suggesting that talks have already started between the two clubs.
Arsenal and Manchester are also big admirers but Barca are thought to be in the box seat if they press ahead.
Reports in Spain are keen to point out that Neves’ agent, Jorge Mendes, has a good relationship with the Barca president Joan Laporta.
Barcelona in the box seat
That could be enough to swing the deal in Barcelona’s favour. However there now seems to be an issue over the transfer fee Wolves will demand.
The Molineux outfit are said to have slapped a £40million asking price on the player to try and ward off interest. And it could have done the trick regards Barcelona.
A report in Mundo Deportivo says that Barcelona would be unwilling to meet that figure. Or at least there is some disagreement within the four walls of the Nou Camp.
The club appear to be split over whether Neves would be worth such an outlay.
Wolves are in a strong position as Neves is under contract until the summer of 2024. They are under no pressure to sell and are able to set the valuation and stick to it.
Neves continues to show his class in the Premier League and £40million would be the going rate. Indeed if he carries on in the same fashion the price will only go up.
The Portuguese ace scored in the 4-0 win over Watford and provided the assist for Conor Coady at Everton. £40million would also prove to be a snip if Neves plays for Barca as long as Busquets has.
Strong rival interest
Barcelona’s hesitancy could open the door for both Manchester United and Arsenal. The duo are in the hunt for a central midfielder and Neves is high on the list of targets.
They have seen first hand what he can do week in week out in the Premier League and could be happy to meet the asking price.
Wolves would no doubt want to keep hold but their resolve could be pushed to the max in the summer. Journalist Pete O’Rourke recently said as much.
“I think this summer, it could be a hard battle to keep hold of Neves,” he told GIVEMESPORT. “It is likely that the interest from big sides will remain, given Neves’ quality. Wolves won’t want to hear this because they would love to keep Ruben Neves.”
It is also worth considering that Neves is ambitious. He will be happy at Wolves but the chance to test himself at one of the top clubs will be tempting.
READ MORE: Wheels in motion for deal that could see Wolves star depart Molineux
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