Arteta really wanted ‘sensational’ 26-year-old gem at Arsenal – but he’s agreed four-year deal elsewhere.
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Mikel Arteta’s strong desire to secure the services of Ruben Neves has been dealt a blow, as reports from Sport in Spain indicate that the Portuguese midfielder has set his sights on joining Barcelona.
According to the aforementioned source, Neves has reportedly agreed to personal terms on a four-year contract with the Catalan giants, leaving Arsenal’s pursuit of the Wolves star in disarray.
The potential departure of Neves from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the upcoming transfer window does not come as a surprise. The 26-year-old has showcased his exceptional abilities in the Premier League, consistently impressing onlookers with his performances. However, it has been yet another underwhelming campaign for Wolves, further fueling speculation surrounding Neves’ future.
In light of these developments, it has been revealed that Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, held a genuine desire to bring Neves to the Emirates Stadium. The Spanish tactician had set his sights on the midfielder, prompting the Gunners to make an offer through his agent, Jorge Mendes. Sport suggests that Arteta’s disappointment will be palpable, as Neves appears to be on the brink of joining the illustrious Camp Nou outfit instead.
Undoubtedly, Arsenal will seek to bolster their midfield ranks during the summer transfer window. The North London club came tantalizingly close to clinching the Premier League title in the previous season, and it is evident that reinforcements are required to fortify their squad.
While missing out on Neves may be disheartening, the Gunners have been linked with several other top-quality midfield options, offering hope that they can rebound swiftly from this setback.
Nevertheless, Neves’ potential acquisition by Arsenal would have undoubtedly represented a shrewd signing. With a wealth of experience in the demanding landscape of the Premier League, the Portuguese international possesses the qualities necessary to make a significant impact. Moreover, at 26 years old, he is poised to enter the prime years of his career, bringing a blend of skill and maturity to any midfield.
Neves’ departure will undoubtedly leave a void at Wolverhampton Wanderers. His contributions to the team have been nothing short of sensational, earning him plaudits for his consistent performances.
The Midlands club will undoubtedly feel the loss of such a talented individual in their ranks. However, there may be some solace for Wolves in the knowledge that Neves appears unlikely to join a direct Premier League rival in the imminent weeks, potentially softening the blow to some extent.
As the transfer saga unfolds, football enthusiasts will be eager to see how Neves’ future ultimately shapes up. Barcelona’s reported interest and the prospect of a move to Camp Nou have seemingly derailed Arsenal’s pursuit, leaving Mikel Arteta and his team to explore alternative options in their quest to strengthen their midfield ahead of the upcoming season.