According to The Sun, Edu is in constant communication with Jorge Mendes over a deal for Ruben Neves, who Wolves are prepared to sell.
What’s the story?
Well, it seems like Neves might’ve played his last games for Wolves.
Arsenal and Mendes want to get a deal done as soon as possible, and Wolves are desperate to raise funds for Bruno Lage to make signings.
However, the 22-cap Portugal international’s £35m price tag is proving to be a stumbling block in talks between the two Premier League clubs.
Wolves paid £15.8m for the 24-year-old, and are entitled to ask for over double that sum given what Neves has achieved in England.
The Wolves No.8 has made 176 appearances for the Midlands-based outfit, helping them out of the Championship and into a European quarter-final.
Neves could be Granit Xhaka’s replacement.
The Sun claim that José Mourinho’s Roma are willing to pay £15m, but the Gunners want £20m for the Swiss maestro.
Do Arsenal need Ruben Neves?
In our view, no.
Admittedly, Neves is a fine player, who has looked every inch a Premier League midfielder since Wolves earned promotion.
However, him and Granit Xhaka are pretty similar.
If Mikel Arteta is to sell Xhaka and replace him with Neves, he might as well keep the 98-cap Switzerland international at the Emirates Stadium.
The only thing you could argue Neves has over Xhaka is the fact he’s four years younger.
To spend £35m on the Portuguese playmaker would be a tremendous waste of money, in our view.
Of course, Mendes will want this deal done in order to earn commission.
In that respect, Edu must be smart, and refrain from getting suckered into a deal that’s bad for the north Londoners.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
