Bruno Lage has been speaking to the media about Ruben Neves, as Arsenal express interest in bringing the Wolves maestro to north London.
What’s the story?
Well, it was the Evening Standard who revealed that Arsenal are admirers of the Portugal international, who is a key player for Wolves.
Lage is clearly all too aware of that, as he’s now slapped a significant price tag on the Wolves No.8’s head.
As quoted by the Express and Star, the 45-year-old said: “What I know is we have a special player here with us. It’s not just about Wolves, in these days which club can refuse a proposal of 80, 90 or 100 million pounds? Five or six. I would have preferred to remain with Joao Felix in Benfica, but €120m came and he left.”
Clearly, Arsenal will have to spend a club-record fee if they want to sign Neves, as Lage makes it clear he would take at least £80m.
Should the Gunners meet that asking price, it would smash their existing transfer record, which stands at the £72m spent on Nicolas Pepe.
So far this season, Neves has scored four goals in 28 Premier League appearances, while also providing two assists.
Arsenal must ignore Ruben Neves
If Wolves are holding out for £80m, Arsenal need to look elsewhere.
If the central midfield department was the only issue at the Emirates Stadium, then maybe Mikel Arteta could entertain the asking price, as Neves is a superb player.
However, the Gunners still need to sign an outstanding centre-forward, maybe even two with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to become free agents in June.
There are also some problems in the full-back department, as Nuno Tavares was subbed off at half-time against Crystal Palace, after coming off even earlier against Nottingham Forest.
With a new backup to Kieran Tierney and a striker needed, Arsenal simply cannot afford to spend £80m on Neves, as good as he is.
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