Wolves manager Bruno Lage has addressed reported interest from Arsenal in Pedro Neto after his side beat Preston in the Carabao Cup – quoted by the Express & Star that he “cannot confirm nothing” but there have been no proposals.
Still only 22, Neto has already clocked up 96 senior appearances for Wolves since joining the club from Lazio in 2019. The Portuguese talent is one of a number of Wolves players represented by super agent Jorge Mendes.
Reports this week claim that Mendes has met with Arsenal to discuss a potential move for Neto. It is believed Wolves would request a figure of £60million for the player. The attacker has signed a new deal, until the summer of 2027.
Following his side’s 2-1 win over Preston thanks to goals from Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore, Lage was asked about Arsenal’s interest in Neto. He responded by saying he saw the reports, but that Wolves have not received a proposal.
“I don’t know. I heard about that, but nothing has come to us,” Lage said. “It’s normal, especially with the good players we have, that the good teams are looking for players in the same way that we are looking for players
“Like Guedes, Matheus and Collins [Wolves summer signings]. The other teams are looking for players like we have, but no-one told me nothing about any proposals, so I cannot confirm nothing.”
Bruno Lage: No proposals from Arsenal for Wolves star Pedro Neto
Arsenal do need a winger. Nicolas Pepe looks more and more likely to leave the Gunners before the end of the window. With the Gunners set to compete in the Europa League, they will have to replace their club-record signing.
Of course, in the Premier League, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are first choice. Emile Smith-Rowe is a very valued member of the squad and an immediate replacement. But without Pepe, Arsenal lack a fourth option out wide.
Neto would be the ideal addition. A player, given his age, would surely be open to sitting on the bench and getting his chance in the Europa League – and the odd substitute appearance in the Premier League. He is ideal for the Gunners.
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