A major update has emerged regarding Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves who is reportedly a top summer transfer target for Arsenal.
THE LOWDOWN: FUTURE IN DOUBT
The 24-year-old has been in consistent form for Wanderers this season, standing out as one of the team’s most influential performers throughout the campaign, before his unfortunate season-ending injury against Leeds United.
Neves has tremendously aided the club’s cause in bossing numerous midfield battles in the Premier League, averaging 2.3 tackles per game and registering four goals and two assists.
Recent reports have suggested that the Portuguese international could leave the Molineux this summer with Manchester United among the leading candidates for his signature, and a new claim is likely to lead to a summer auction for his signature.
THE LATEST: TOP TARGET
According to Sky Sports News, Neves is a top target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners aim to bolster their midfield in the off season, and according to sources, the former Porto star is among the players interesting them.
The report goes on to state that Wolves will be expected to demand between £50m and £60m for the midfielder, with La Liga giants Barcelona also reportedly keen on his services.
It has also been stated in the Manchester Evening News that the club ‘could cash in’ on the Portugal international if he is unwilling his extend his stay at Molineux, with his current deal expiring in 2024.
THE VERDICT: PERFECT XHAKA REPLACEMENT
With four goals and two assists to his name in 28 league appearances this season, only Raul Jimenez has delivered more goal contributions than the midfield star.
Recently labelled as a “maestro” by journalist Tim Spiers, Neves has excelled tremendously this season becoming a key figure in Bruno Lage’s team and would represent a perfect addition to the Gunners squad and an ideal replacement for Granit Xhaka.
To highlight how impressive the £36m-rated talent is on the ball, no other midfielder in the Premier League has been able to complete more long-ball passes than the 26-time Portugal international. He’s also recorded the ninth-most final third passes (169), and has been given an impressive average rating of 7.20 for his performances by SofaScore.
Whilst Xhaka has formed the bedrock of the Arteta’s side this season, he hasn’t been quite as influential as the Portuguese midfield maestro, recording an average SofaScore rating of 6.79, whilst also recording 0.7 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and winning 48% of his ground duels.
In comparison, Neves’ exceeds the Swiss international averaging per game, 1.3 interceptions, 2.3 tackles and a ground duels won percentage of 49%, highlighting just how dominant he’s performed in his individual battles this season.
Taking all of this into account, it’s undeniable that the former Porto star would be a massive loss for Wolves, but an incredible gain for the north London outfit if he were to join this summer.
AND in other Arsenal news, a certain Gunners icon says £36m-rated midfield star needs to “bounce back” after Palace disasterclass…
