- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Wolves will not stand in Pedro Neto’s way this summer but the Premier League club want a club record fee for the Portugal international amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
HITC Football understands that, after a stunning season at Molineux, some of the division’s big-hitters are showing an interest in Pedro Neto, including Liverpool and an Arsenal side who appear keen on adding some depth to a talented but inconsistent frontline.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are not minded to stand in Neto’s way either, though any club keen to take the winger out from Gary O’Neil’s clutches would have to part with a fee in the region of £60 million.
Arsenal and Liverpool like Wolves star Pedro Neto
Such a sum would make the former Lazio starlet the most expensive export in Wolves’ history, more than the fees earned via the sales of Matheus Nunes to Manchester City, Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal and Diogo Jota to the aforementioned Merseyside giants.
Wolves, HITC understands, are aware of the interest. And while the club do not have to sell, they may decide that an exit is necessary to free up funds to further additions.
O’Neil admitted that Wolves could not afford to bring in Armando Broja even on loan from Chelsea last month, amid concerns of a copping a punishment similar to the one which came the way of Everton.
“We couldn’t afford to go to where other clubs were able to go to without putting ourselves at risk. It’s the position the club’s in,” O’Neil told the Daily Mail, Broja joining Fulham instead.
“We could afford wages but some of the fees – obligations, loan fees, penalties for people not playing – were too much of a hurdle for us. We couldn’t get anything done.
“We’re in a good place financially. At least, where we haven’t broken any rules or taken ourselves into an area that we shouldn’t.”
At least £60 million required
Neto’s departure would add considerable funds to Wolves’ coffers, though finding an adequate replacement for a player of his talents would be easier said than done. Neto is not only the second-fastest player in the Premier League, his tally of eight means he also sits joint-second in the assist charts too.
HITC understands that Arsenal are also keen on midfielders. Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz – a long-time target – are at the top of their list of priorities.
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