Arsenal could salvage a huge advantage in the race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Pedro Neto this summer, with the Gunners reportedly set to miss out on Raphinha. Mikel Arteta's side have been heavily linked with a move for the Leeds United talisman, but widespread reports claim that Chelsea and Barcelona are better positioned to sign the 25-year-old.
Instead, Neto could emerge as the perfect alternative to Raphinha with Edu seemingly in the market for a winger. The Portugal international, who sees his contract at Molineux expire in 2027, featured 13 times for Bruno Lage's side, direcly contributing towards two goals.
His impressive displays have rightfully courted the interest of several leading European sides, but Neto could have his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking to talkSPORT in January 2020, the winger confessed that he grew up supporting Arsenal.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta's dream line-up for Arsenal's opening Premier League game of 2022/23 season
"When I was a kid growing up watching English football my favourite team was Arsenal," Neto said. "No, Arsenal. Because with Arsene Wenger I thought besides winning trophies they played very good football. Now I'm with Wolverhampton and am very happy! Of course it's the best club in England now."
Having quickly grown into one on the Premier League's most coveted prospects, Arsenal have been left to rue their decision against signing Neto earlier. Back in 2017, the Gunners nearly bought the winger before he completed a move to Lazio from Braga.
Portuguese outlet A Bola, as quoted by the Express, reported that the north Londoners submitted a £13.2million offer for his services, but Braga made it clear that Neto would only be available if his £17.6m release clause was met. And, obviously, Arsenal failed to so do; Neto is now worth £26million, according to CIES Football Observatory.
Regardless of whether the Gunners put pen to paper for a new winger this summer, Arteta is eager to undergo a spritely summer spending spree. When asked if he expects another busy transfer window in terms of player recruitment, the Spaniard 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."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal 'make third bid' for Lisandro Martinez amid major Raphinha transfer twist
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Arsenal make huge Kieran Tierney transfer decision amid Manchester City links
Arsenal star admits there is 'no chance' he stays with Mikel Arteta's side amid transfer links
