Arsenal’s hopes of signing Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves are taking a hit with Jorge Mendes trying to get him to Barcelona.
It’s clear that Arsenal need to sign a new midfielder this summer despite recent performances.
Arsenal have needed to rely on other players with Thomas Partey out injured.
Granit Xhaka has stepped up admirably and scored against Manchester United. Even Mohamed Elneny has come in from the cold to shine in key wins over Chelsea and Manchester United.
Partey will soon be back and there are high hopes for Albert Sambi Lokonga, but Arsenal still need to add another option.
Sky Sports claimed earlier in April that Wolves star Neves had emerged as a top target for Arsenal.
Similar was reported last summer. The Daily Mail claimed that Wolves were expecting a bid from Arsenal after holding talks.
That deal never materialised but Arsenal have seemingly kept Neves on their wish list.
Yet for a player branded ‘sensational’ by Gary Neville, there is unsurprisingly a real battle emerging.
Catalan newspaper SPORT now claim that agent Jorge Mendes is working to get Neves a move to Barcelona.
It’s stated that Barcelona have other priorities right now but feel that Neves would suit them perfectly.
One thing to note here is that Barca star Frenkie de Jong is being linked with Manchester United.
Should that deal materialise, Barcelona may well find that Neves is needed a little more than first thought.
Barcelona have quality young midfielders in Gavi and Pedri but Sergio Busquets isn’t getting any younger.
Neves could fit in his role at the base of the Barcelona midfield, where he can use his impressive passing range.
Arsenal clearly still have hope of signing Neves with Barcelona focusing elsewhere at the moment, but Edu may need to get moving very quickly.
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