Wolves have opened talks with midfielder Ruben Neves, according to reports, with a potential standoff opening the possibility of him leaving in the summer. The 25-year-old has been a key player for the Midlands outfit, starting nearly every Premier League game this season and helping guide them to eighth, within reach of a European finish.
The Portugal international has a deal with the club that runs until 2024, though transfer interest may have forced their hand to offer a contract earlier than expected. Arsenal are said to be one side keen on the midfielder to strengthen their ranks in the summer.
The central areas are a position that Mikel Arteta will be light in going into next season, with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey the two first-team starters in the squad - and Xhaka's future at the club far from certain amid rumoured Roma interest. Beyond them is Albert Sambi Lokonga, but the Gunners are set to lose Mohamed Elneny on a free transfer.
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This leaves Arteta with just three options to pick for two positions over a season that will include a Premier League campaign, the two domestic cups and a potential European competition. The situation merely underlines just how important the summer could be for strengthening and adding to the squad.
That isn’t to say that the Spaniard and Edu didn’t try and sign players in January to fix this issue though, as he confirmed in February that they tried for deals but missed out on some: "Edu and his team did a fantastic job and they continue to do that. We only want the best players and the best people in this club. When we are in a rush and the reasons are not right for getting a player into the club, we decide not to do it."
While January didn’t bring any signings, the summer might as one option, as reported by the Sun, is Wolves’ Neves, though the North London club aren’t the only side following him. The report claims that Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSG are all following the Portuguese player.
Wolves are said to be opening talks with the 25-year-old over a new long-term contract that would keep him at the club past the current 2024 expiration date. If they can’t thrash out a new deal, then the reports claim that they would be willing to move on Neves while he holds value before he enters the last 18-months.
That could open up a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, though it remains to be seen if a deal will materialise. It makes for an interesting summer transfer window ahead.
