According to The Times, Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Ruben Neves. The Wolves midfielder has emerged as the latest target for the Gunners, as they continue their search for reinforcements in the middle of the park. Wolves are expected to cash in on Neves in the summer, in their attempt to generate some transfer revenue following a poor financial year.
Ruben Neves’ Spell At Wolves
Ruben Neves has been a part of the Wolves side for four years now, after initially joining the club in a €17.9 million move from FC Porto in 2017. The midfielder has notched up 176 competitive appearances for the club, over 100 of which have come in the Premier League.
During his time at Molineux, the Portuguese international has established himself as a real leader in the middle of the park. His aggression, work ethic and tenacity made him a vital cog in Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical philosophy.
Neves is also a threat from long-range, thanks to his vicious right foot, while his physicality goes hand in hand with Premier League’s style of play. However, with Espirito Santo leaving Wolves in the summer, his time at Molineux could be all but over.
The midfielder hasn’t enjoyed a great 2020/21 campaign either, with the entire team struggling for form. It resulted in Wolves finishing the season below Everton, West Ham and the newly promoted Leeds United.
Is Arsenal A Good Destination For Neves?
Much like Wolves, Arsenal have also endured a difficult campaign – one that will see them miss out on European football for the first time in 25 years. It has compelled Mikel Arteta to run a complete squad overhaul in the summer, as the former Man City assistant coach hopes to upgrade his ranks.
Thomas Partey was one of Arsenal’s marquee signings last summer. The midfielder, though, endured a difficult debut season in England while also lacking the services of a solid partner.
That is where Ruben Neves comes into the fray as the Portuguese international’s aggressive style of play should complement his Ghanaian counterpart. The 24-year-old also has the experience of playing in the Premier League – making him a less risky option when compared to the likes of Edouardo Camavinga.
Neves, in fact, could turn out to be an ideal upgrade over Granit Xhaka at Arsenal. The club, though, needs to be wary of the midfielder’s price tag, given the fact that they simply cannot afford to spend much in light of the financial crisis put in place by the pandemic.
In hindsight, though, Ruben Neves could indeed an ideal target for Arsenal, the Wolves star should definitely not be a priority target, as Arteta first needs to address his problems in the number ten department.
