Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly set to go head-to-head for Ruben Neves this summer, with Wolves demanding €40 million for the midfielder.
According to an update from Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Arsenal and Manchester United will battle it out for the signing of Wolves and Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, with the Midlands club slapping a €40 million price tag on their star man.
A product of the FC Porto academy, Neves made his way to England in 2017, signing for Wolves. In his very first season with the club, he helped them earn promotion to the Premier League, following which the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in the English top-flight.
To date, Neves has racked up 176 appearances for Wolves, scoring 20 goals and setting up ten more. However, with there being a sea of change at the Midlands’ outfit, the Portuguese international could be set for an exit as the club looks to deal with the financial impact of the pandemic and generate funds for new manager Bruno Lage to bolster the squad. And, Arsenal and Manchester United have shown interest in the midfielder.
It is no secret that Arsenal are in the market for a new central midfielder this summer. The Gunners saw Dani Ceballos return to Real Madrid after his loan spell expired, while mainstay Granit Xhaka is also expected to be on his way out amid widespread interest in his services from within England and across Europe.
With Joe Willock also exit-bound and Mohamed Elneny only a squad player, Mikel Arteta will be left with just last summer signing Thomas Partey as a reliable operator in the centre of the park. To that end, the north Londoners are close to signing RSC Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga, but another more experienced midfielder would be a handy signing, making Neves a viable target.
As for Manchester United, a new long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic is being sought as the Serbian continues to be phased out of the first-team picture at Old Trafford. With Fred and Scott McTominay not exactly out and out holding midfielders, someone like Neves, who can perform that role with great expertise and offer quality with the ball at his feet, would be a fine acquisition for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer & co.
However, both Arsenal and Manchester United have been made aware by Wolves that it will take an offer of €40 million to secure the services of their prized asset this summer. It now remains to be seen if the two Premier League rivals press ahead with their interest in Neves or pursue alternate targets, with Arsenal already making a bid for Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli.
