‘Progressing’: Journalist says Arsenal target with a ‘Sadio Mane-type ceiling’ wants to leave

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Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey has shared what he knows about Pedro Neto amid links to Arsenal.

It was reported on Monday morning that Neto is now Arsenal’s top target, and according to Bailey, the player himself is open to a move away from Wolves.

Indeed, Bailey says that Neto believes that now is an opportune time to make a move as a number of elite clubs look for a new right-sided player, stating that talks between Arsenal and Jorge Mendes are progressing.

What’s been said?

Bailey shared what he knows about Neto.

“He’s a player it was reported last week that Jorge Mendes has been offering him around. Not because he’s available, because Wolves would say he isn’t, but he thinks the right time to move is now, he thinks clubs are out there who want a right-sided player and he’s right, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all want a new right-sided player” Bailey said.

“I like Neto a lot, people in the background have been saying ‘look at Diogo Jota, he wasn’t a marquee signing,’ and I don’t think Neto would be either.”

“I think he’s a terrific footballer and he suits Arsenal down to the ground. He has a high ceiling, a Sadio Mane-type ceiling and I think he could be a cracker of a signing. They will try to make room for him by moving Pepe on. Arsenal are having talks with Jorge Mendes, I don’t think it will be as much as £50m, it might get there with add-ons, it is progressing these talks.”

Opportunity

Sometimes as a footballer you need to be in the right place at the right time, and that’s where Neto finds himself right now.

The Portuguese winger plays in a much sought-after position and he’s got three elite clubs chasing his signature.

Neto knows that the time is now for him to make his next move, and while he could easily stay and develop at Wolves, he’ll be well aware that these chances don’t present themselves every summer.

An argument can be made for Neto staying at Molineux. After all, he’s guaranteed minutes at Wolves, but when this type of opportunity presents itself, you’ve got to go for it.