Arsenal now reportedly want ‘sensational’ £47m midfielder Arsene Wenger tried to bring to N5 in 2016
Arsenal have been linked with Portugal international midfielder Ruben Neves in the past, and speculation is starting to surface again.
Earlier this week, talkSPORT claimed that the Gunners are ready to hijack Newcastle‘s move to sign the Al-Hilal ace.
Arsenal director Edu is said to be a long-term admirer of Neves, who previously plied his trade for Wolves.
The Portuguese midfielder left Molineux and joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer for £47million (Sky Sports).
Despite only moving a few months ago, there is widespread speculation doing the rounds suggesting Neves could potentially return to European football.
The Gunners are apparently hoping to take advantage amid a vote on the possibility of banning loan moves between associated sides later this month.
The proposed motion would mean Newcastle could not sign any players from clubs owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, such as Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad.
Neves, branded as a “sensational” player by Gary Neville (Sky Sports, March 18, 2022, 7:29 pm), has a contract with Al-Hilal until the summer of 2026.
Arsenal targeting ‘iconic’ Neves
If Arsenal were to move for Neves, Mikel Arteta would be sealing a move for a player Arsene Wenger reportedly wanted back in 2016.
The Express reported in December 2015 that Wenger had sent Luis Boa Morta – who played for the club in the 1990s – to scout Neves when he was at Porto.
Arsenal were one of several Premier League clubs eyeing the then 18-year-old, with Chelsea apparently also in pursuit at the time.
There’s no doubt the ‘sensational’ Neves would be a great signing for Arsenal. He’s a world-class talent in his prime.
He clocked up 253 appearances for the West Midlands club, registering 30 goals and 13 assists during his time in old gold.
Neves has gone down in history as one of the best footballers ever to play for Wolves, with their fans deeming him “iconic” and “wonderful”.
Neves’ trajectory has so far kept him away from title-challenging Premier League clubs. Let’s see whether this could change in 2024.
