Arsenal have started the season excellently with two wins from two fixtures, which has helped calm the fans’ nerves in the final weeks of the transfer window. Despite this, it is still important that Edu looks to add strength in depth to Arsenal’s midfield.
Youri Tielemans seemed to be the player who was going to be signed, but a deal has stalled in recent weeks. However, after Wolves’ recent transfer activity, it could create an opportunity for Arsenal to reignite their interest in Ruben Neves.
The Portuguese international’s versatility in playing as a No.8 or No.6 in the midfield would be extremely beneficial for Mikel Arteta going into the season. He also has enough quality to give tough competition for the starting midfielders.
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Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are two players whose place in the team are currently untouchable. Albert Sambi Lokogna and Mohammed Elneny are the two backup players, but their levels in terms of experience and quality do not compare with the two starters.
Neves would be able to bridge this gap and a deal could be easier to complete as Wolves ramp up their transfer business. The Premier League side are set to sign Matheus Nunez from Sporting, who plays in the same position as Neves.
Neves has been impressive in the Premier League since getting promoted with Wolves from the Championship in the 2017/2018 season. He has gone on to make 169 appearances in England’s top division and has contributed to 30 goals from the central midfield position.
It is clear that Arsenal are on the hunt for a central midfielder in the summer, as seen with the Tielemans chase. But with Wolves’ acceptance in selling Neves, Edu could opt for the Portuguese international to be the North London side's next midfield acquisition.
Wolves manager Bruno Lage has never hidden his admiration for the 24-year-old and even recently claimed that he could be worth up to £100million this summer. Speaking to our sister title Birmingham Live, he said: "I don’t know if it’s Man Utd or other teams, what I know is we have a special player here with us.
"When you have that player, the best thing to do is improve his salary and years of contract. But who knows, when you have a top player like him in that specific position, that can defend and attack, and is a top professional and a great man, the big teams are there with £100million to buy these kinds of players."
Despite the major price-tag quoted by Lage, the Wolves manager said this before his side spent £42million on securing the signature of Nunez. There could certainly be room for negotiation if the Gunners do look to target Neves as Sky Sports had reported earlier in the transfer window.
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