Barcelona think Arsenal are about to fight them for £50m star whose preference is clear

Follow us on Google Discover

Barcelona want Ruben Neves but think Arsenal will be fighting them in the race for the Wolverhampton Wanderers star in 2023.

One by one, the parts of the famous Pep Guardiola side are departing Barcelona.

Lionel Messi’s exit in 2021 felt like the real end of that generation, but there are still some remnants of that incredible era.

Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets are still at Barcelona, but are surely on their way out in the near future as Xavi looks to bring the club back to their former glories.

Busquets is 34 now and after nearly 700 first-team appearances for Barcelona, his time at the Camp Nou may be coming to an end.

Barcelona want Ruben Neves

The Mirror report that Barcelona are identifying potential successors and are looking towards Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Ruben Neves.

Busquets has been one of the greatest deep-lying playmakers ever and Neves may be able to offer exceptional passing range from that area.

Neves is more of a goal threat than Busquets ever has been, especially from range, but may not quite offer the same close dribbling in tight areas.

Still, Barcelona really seem to want Neves and are planning to launch a 2023 move for the Portuguese star.

It’s noted that Barcelona do though believe that Arsenal will be interested in Neves too and are expecting something of a fight.

Barcelona think a move to Spain can tempt Neves though, seemingly feeling that they can ultimately beat Arsenal in this race.

Wolves are seeking £50million for Neves, a fee that Barcelona may not be able to pay.

Barca may look to bring that down by offering players on loan or permanently as part of the deal as they try to tempt Wolves into a deal.

Arsenal have been linked with Neves for a while now and they certainly need another midfielder in 2023 given Mohamed Elneny’s contract situation and injury.

Neves fits the bill for Mikel Arteta’s style of play but reports from SPORT in Spain suggest that Neves only wants to sign for Barcelona moving forward.

Barcelona may be expecting Arsenal to rival them but it seems that Catalunya is the preference for Neves as he looks to take the next step in his career.