Wolves are remaining "realistic" over the future of Ruben Neves amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, according to one of the club’s directors.
The Premier League pair have been linked with a move for the Portuguese playmaker ahead of the summer transfer window opening, with both aiming to bolster their midfields. Incoming Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is set to lose the services of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, leaving the club low on options.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have long been credited with an interest in Neves and are looking for a natural partner for Thomas Partey in the heart of midfield, with continued doubt over the long-term future of Granit Xhaka amid last summer’s failed switch to Italian outfit AS Roma.
Wolves technical director Scott Sellars has reaffirmed Neves’ happiness with life in the Black Country, although he admitted that the club are remaining "realistic" over interest in his services. Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, he said: “Ruben is a top player.
“Ruben has been fantastic this season and once again shown his quality. Also, I think he has shown how happy he is here and that is something we as a club know as well.
"The ideal situation is that we want him to stay. I've spoken to him about it, but I am also realistic that when you have an outstanding player, the top clubs are going to come and see what the situation is. It will be discussed what is right for the club and certainly is something we will look at."
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Neves has enjoyed another stellar season with Wolves this season having been a key cog in the side since a 2018 switch from Portuguese giants FC Porto. He scored four goals in 36 appearances in all competitions throughout 2021/22, with his side finishing 10th in the Premier League under Bruno Lage.
His future has been called into question ,though, with just two years remaining on his current contract - something that both Arsenal and United could take advantage of. Neves himself has hinted that the final-day defeat to Liverpool at Anfield could potentially be his final appearance for the West Midlands club.
“Let’s see what happens. I cannot say too much about it,” he said. “If I go it would be really hard for me and my family.
"But, as I told you, we have dreams to live in a short space of time. And if anything happens, that’s why I was so emotional the last game at home because I don’t know how it’s going to be. If it was my last game it was really important."
Neves is not believed to be the only midfielder United and Arsenal are competing for, as they are also reportedly going head-to-head for Leicester ’s Youri Tielemans. It is expected that the Belgian will depart the King Power Stadium this summer with just one year remaining on his current deal.
Mikel Arteta has already prioritised a move for the Belgian heading into the summer transfer window, whilst the Red Devils are reported to be admirers.
