Arsenal look set to miss out on the signing of Ruben Neves this summer, with Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly pricing out potential suitors. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent years, though a deal has never materialised.
With Mikel Arteta in the market for a new midfielder, the Gunners reportedly tabled a £35million for the Portugal international in January, but Bruno Lage's side turned down Edu's offer. Despite missing out then, Arsenal are said to still be interested in acquiring Neves' services amid strong competition from Manchester United and Barcelona.
However, with clubs beginning to circle Neves' situation like vultures, Wolves have set the midfielder's asking price at £75million in a bid to ward off potential suitors, according to The Sun. The north Londoners have already welcomed Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos this summer, but, if Edu is to listen to Arteta's demands, Arsenal's summer spree could continue.
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When asked if he expects another busy transfer window in terms of player recruitment, the Gunners boss said: "I am expecting so, yes. I think both competitions [the Champions League and Europa League] require a much larger squad because the amount of games you play is much bigger in both, so I don’t think [which you qualify for] makes a lot of difference or changes a lot.
"If you can financially afford it and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to do, if you ask me what I want it’s 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers. You have to come a long way in the aspects that you see on the pitch, it’s a lot of things that have to be put in place, and that takes time."
Despite Wolves reportedly doing what it takes to retain Neves' services, the midfielder has hinted at a potential exit from Molineux. Following defeat to Liverpool on the final day of the season, the 25-year-old said: "Everyone knows what football is about, what our lives are about. Our career is really short and we need to take the opportunities we have.
"All of us have dreams and we need to live those dreams in a small space of time. Let’s see what happens, I cannot say too much about it."
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