Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves
Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves
It is hard to believe that Ruben Neves is still only 25-years-old.
It feels as if the Portuguese international has been tipped for big things for nearly a decade now.
With the midfielder out of contract in 2023, it appears his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers could be coming to an end.
Understandably, with a player like Neves on offer for a reduced price, clubs around Europe are queueing up to secure the international's signature.
So, after all this time, should Arsenal move for Ruben Neves now, or is it time for the Gunners to turn their attention to a new target?
What would he bring?
Arsenal do not have enough defensive midfielders.
Martin Ødegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka give Mikel Arteta plenty of midfield options going forward, but the Gunners have been found lacking when out of possession this season.
Thomas Partey has been in and out of the side due to injuries, a fact that has not helped Arteta's selection this season while Mohamed Elneny is probably not good enough.
Granit Xhaka can fill the role, but we have seen that he cannot be trusted to hold by himself and is often much better when played alongside another defensive midfielder.
So there is a role at the club for Neves to fill, and even if he does not walk straight into the first team, we're in desperate need of depth in that position.
He would also add experience to a young midfield, having already made 137 Premier League appearances.
Furthermore, his goal threat is well documented. He may have only recorded 15 goals and eight assists since making his debut, but almost all of them have been something special.
Will it happen?
Arsenal have emerged as favourites to sign the midfielder, but the Gunners will face some stiff competition for his signature.
Barcelona in particular have been linked with the Portuguese international in the press.
In theory, he would fit their style perfectly as a deep-lying playmaker who can also get down and dirty in defence and being part of a successful rebuild at Camp Nou is a mouth-watering proposition.
But the Catalonians are far from the side that dominated the game a decade ago so may not have the pull they used to have, but they're definitely still an attractive prospect for a player of Neves' quality.
The Sun has also reported that Erik ten Hag will make Neves his first signing as Manchester United manager, with the Dutchman now confirmed in the Old Trafford dugout for next season.
Missing out on the player to United would be hugely disappointing though if Arsenal qualify for the Champions League ahead of United, then the Gunners will be the frontrunners for his signature.
Conclusion
Arsenal need another defensive midfielder, and Neves fits the bill perfectly.
His ability to spray passes around the pitch, combined with his willingness to make sacrifices for the good of the team suggests that he'd be a hit at The Emirates.
He'll be available for a reasonable price considering his contract expires in a year, and he can walk straight into the starting XI.
However, Arsenal will need to secure Champions League football to ensure they don't see another team step in and take him at the last minute.
Picture Credit: Getty Images
