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Arsenal Target Move for Portuguese Midfielder Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves

Arsenal are targeting a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, according to Tim Spiers of The Athletic.

Ruben Neves a Target for Arsenal This Summer

Eyes on Several Midfielders

The Gunners have their eye on several midfielders this summer as Mikel Arteta is looking to add to his squad.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma is one player thought to be on their transfer list. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old is highly-regarded by Arsenal, but not the only player the club have their eyes set on.

Bissouma is being courted by several clubs, including the Gunners’ Premier League rivals Liverpool. As a result, Arsenal’s interest in Neves could mean that they are moving on to other targets.

The Portuguese international, also 24, has been a key player for Wolves since arriving at Molineux in 2017.

Neves helped the club earn promotion from the Championship during his first season after joining for a club-record fee. The 24-year-old controlled Wolves’ style of play from the base of midfield, chipping in with six goals.

The step up to the top-flight has not halted the former Porto midfielder in going from strength to strength either, becoming Wolves’ talisman at points under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Neves has built an impressive partnership with fellow Portuguese and veteran midfielder Joao Moutinho. The 24-year-old scored five goals in all competitions during the 2020/21 campaign, but perhaps more importantly, he averaged 2.4 tackles per game as he broke up attacks from the base of midfield.

Despite enjoying another successful season, former manager Espirito Santo still expected more from the midfielder.

Speaking to the Express & Star in May, he said: “If you look at Ruben he has a lot of things he can improve on his game.

“Recently he had a lot of free-kicks and has not put the ball on the goal or even tested the goalkeeper.

“We all realise how good he is in that aspect, how many goals he scored from free-kicks before. It’s been a while since he put in the ball in the right spot isn’t it?

“Of course he’s a good player but this is the way we look at things. It’s not over, players always have aspects to improve.”

What This Means for Both Clubs?

It is clear that Mikel Arteta is looking to add another defensive midfielder to his squad this summer. The Spaniard has seen Dani Ceballos return to Real Madrid after the end of his loan, while Granit Xhaka could also be allowed to leave the club should they receive a suitable offer.

However, a move to The Emirate Stadium for Neves could have more ramifications for Wolves. According to the report from The Athletic, Wolves will have to sell players if they are wanting to spend big this summer.

The Molineux-based side may be looking to spend money this summer as they look to work their way back up the Premier League table. They endured a tough season under Nuno Espirito Santo, finishing 13th.

As a result, they will be hoping that they can enjoy a better campaign next season.

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