Ruben Neves is prepared to stay on at Wolves, forcing Manchester United and Arsenal to curtail their pursuit of the 24-year-old.
According to Transfer Market Web, Ruben Neves could be resigned to spending the current season at Wolves after reported interest from Premier League bigwigs failed to materialise. Although their stance changed dramatically, the 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder was heavily linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United.
Ruben Neves spent his developmental years as a central midfielder with Wolves, helping the Midlands club gain promotion before holding them stable in the Premier League. However, he wanted a different challenge this summer at one of the top clubs in England and was ready to move away.
Arsenal had significant interest right before the Euros, as the Gunners were expecting Granit Xhaka to depart for AS Roma. Neves was considered a like-for-like replacement for the Switzerland captain, and the north London side were prepared to discuss terms with Wolves.
However, as things transpired, Xhaka’s deal with Roma collapsed over transfer fees, and the former Arsenal captain has since decided to stay put at the Emirates and sign a new agreement. The north Londoners were also targeting Manuel Locatelli as their first-choice to replace Xhaka, thus placing Neves on the backburner due to Wolves’ reported demand for a higher transfer fee.
As things stand, Arsenal have ceded their interest in recruiting a central midfielder, although they might go back to Neves in the future if a need arises. The Gunners are now focusing their efforts towards recruiting an attacking midfielder with Martin Odegaard said to be close to a move from Real Madrid.
The other club interested in Neves was Manchester United, who feared star midfielder Paul Pogba might leave the club this summer. The Frenchman has a year left on his deal, and despite his superb start to the season against Leeds United, the future of the World Cup winner still hangs in the balance.
There’s a belief he will stay put at Old Trafford and sign a new long term deal; but Manchester United were planning for the worst and had been targeting replacements. Neves was one of their main targets to replace the Frenchman. The 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder was understandably keen on making a move.
Like Arsenal, Manchester United had to look away once it was clear Pogba will spend this season at the club irrespective of his contractual situation. As no other big clubs showed serious interest in him, Neves has seemingly decided to spend this season at Wolves. He also recently praised new manager Bruno Lage claiming he liked his methods and ideas.
Wolves are still in danger of losing some of their important players before the transfer window closes but can be assured of the immediate future of their reliable midfielder. Lage can now look forward to working with Neves and planning his way to keep Wolves stable in the Premier League this season.
