As you may have heard, Arsenal are interested in signing Pedro Neto from Wolves as Nicolas Pepe heads towards the Emirates Stadium exit door.
Mikel Arteta and Edu have identified the Portugal international as a top target, and The Athletic believe talks have been ongoing for a month, with Jorge Mendes involved in proceedings.
While a month seems like a long time to be in negotiations, Arsenal’s interest in Neto actually started much longer ago.
What’s the story?
Well, Arsène Wenger always had an eye for talent, hence why he actually submitted a €15m (£13m) bid for Neto when he was at Braga back in 2017 – according to A Bola.
The Wolves No.7 – aged 17 at the time – ended up staying in Portugal, where he scored on his Primeira Liga debut to become Braga’s youngest ever scorer in the competition.
The Gunners were reluctant to meet his €20m (£17m) asking price.
Of course, hindsight is a wonderful thing, but that figure now looks like a bargain.
Since joining Wolves, Neto – who Tim Sherwood called “outstanding” – has made 76 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals while also providing ten assists.
You may feel those numbers are a little low for Wolves to be demanding £50m for their No.7 this summer, although it must be considered that he suffered a serious knee injury which sidelined him for almost a year in 2021.
Neto is now back to full fitness, which seems to have encouraged Arsenal to make their move.
Arsenal can challenge with Pedro Neto
In our view, this is a potentially transformative signing for Arsenal.
Arteta already has a fantastic squad, but this is the sort of signing which would take the Gunners to the next level – that being to have the depth of a side like Manchester City, who can afford to have Riyad Mahrez and others in reserve.
It would also help Arsenal stay fresh enough to compete in the Europa League, while also ensuring their impressive form in the Premier League does not suffer.
Keep an eye on this situation, as talks continue between Arsenal and Wolves.
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