According to the Express, Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow after Pedro Neto suffered a serious injury at Wolves.
Arsenal forced to shelve Pedro Neto interest
The Express believe Mikel Arteta was keen to sign the Portugal international before the September 1st deadline, with Wolves valuing their No.7 at a sum of £60m.
However, any hopes of signing Neto in January will now have to be put on ice, with the 22-year-old set to undergo surgery on his ankle ligaments following an injury picked up in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham.
The Express claim that the Portuguese winger was near the top of Arteta’s wishlist over the summer before the need for a new central midfielder took over, following a string of injuries.
Neto’s injury comes at an awful time for all parties.
The youngster will now miss out on the World Cup in Qatar, while Wolves have lost one of their best players amid a difficult time at Molineux – the Old Gold are currently managerless, and find themselves 18th in the Premier League.
Before his injury, Neto had failed to score or provide an assist in nine appearances this season.
Hopefully, Wolves can help the Viana do Castelo-born forward recovery quickly.
Arsenal have Pedro Neto alternatives
Neto wasn’t the only winger targeted by Arsenal in the summer, so there are alternatives following the disappointing news about his ankle.
According to Ben Jacobs, the Gunners expressed an interest in Wilfried Zaha over the summer, and the Crystal Palace talisman could soon leave Selhurst Park for nothing.
The Ivory Coast international becomes a free agent in July, and so far, there are few signs that he will pen a renewal in south London.
There is also said to be interested in Brighton forward Leandro Trossard – according to Voetbal Belgie – another player who becomes a free agent in July.
Be sure to keep an eye on developments at the Emirates Stadium, as we wouldn’t be surprised to see Arteta and Edu make a signing or two in January.
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