Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has provided an update on the Gunners’ pursuit of Ruben Neves.
It’s set to be a summer of change at Molineux, as they have just appointed a new head coach in the form of Bruno Lage, but the changes aren’t necessarily limited to just what is going on in the dugout.
A report from The Athletic claims that Wolves are open to selling midfielder Ruben Neves in order to fund their transfer plans, with Arsenal one of the names mentioned. Another report from the same publication had claimed that they are looking for a fee in the region of £35m for his services.
Speaking on his show about the reports, Watts confirmed that Arsenal are interested and that initial talks have taken place, but that the asking price from Wolves might end up being something of a tricky patch for them to overcome:
“My understanding of this situation is that Arsenal are interested in Ruben Neves, there has been talks with Wolves, I don’t think there’s been a bid – I certainly haven’t been told there’s been a bid, I think it’s at the talks stage at the moment.
“Again, there’s a willingness in Wolves to potentially let Neves go this summer. He’s got two years left on his contract, Wolves are going through a bit of an overhaul as well, the change of manager, so they need a bit of a refresh and the money they can bring in from someone like Neves can help with that.
“That valuation, £35m Wolves are looking for, for Ruben Neves – I’m not sure Arsenal are that keen on paying that, and that’s where these talks are going with the clubs at the moment. You know, can you get a lower valuation for that on Neves?”
TIF Thoughts on Charles Watts’ comments about Ruben Neves…
Will Arsenal sign Neves this summer?
Yes
No
If Arsenal are going to spend big money on a player this summer, then they have to do so in the right area, and Neves simply isn’t that.
It’s been clear to see, with technical director Edu himself addressing the matter, that what Arsenal need is a creative attacking midfielder, and with Neves operating predominantly as a defensive midfielder, and only creating 20 goals and 10 assists during his four seasons at Wolves, he arguably isn’t the man that’s going to provide it for them.
That money might be better off being used to try and convince someone like Real Madrid to let them have Martin Odegaard back, even if it’s just used to cover a loan fee for another season.
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