Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has revealed that he was close to making the switch to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners signed Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurien Timber and David Raya last summer and were hoping to add more firepower to their ranks.
With Thomas Partey attracting attention from clubs across Europe as well as Saudi Pro-League, it was only rational for the North London outfit to shortlist several players.
Neves, in a recent interview with O Jogo stated that talks were advanced with the North London side but eventually collapsed.
“Last summer I’ve been close to joining three European clubs, then it didn’t happen”. Barcelona was something really concrete. It was very close”.
The 26-year-old continued, “To be honest, it was the same for Arsenal deal; it was very advanced then collapsed.”
🚨 Ruben Neves reveals: "Last summer I’ve been close to joining three European clubs, then it didn’t happen".
"Barcelona was something really concrete. It was very close".
"To be honest, it was the same for Arsenal deal; it was very advanced then collapsed", told O Jogo. pic.twitter.com/J4cvlve7sk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 27, 2024
Neves made 177 appearances for Wolves scoring 21 goals and assisting nine times. He was a central figure to the team that made multiple top 10 finishes in the Premier League.
It is unclear whether the Gunners would make a move for the Portugal international this summer. However, if Partey departs, a replacement would be highly necessary.
But if he doesn’t leave, do we stay put in that department and focus on strengthening other areas of the pitch? Or we add Neves or any other midfielder who can compete or play alongside Declan Rice?
What do you think?
Writer – Yash Bisht
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No
NO I would rather we go for Onana who is a combertive midfielder like Pathey. Physicality strong with aerial abilities l.
Zubimendi is a better option, and I would even prefer Onana; younger and possibly more potential and better than Neves when he reaches 26.
By the way, did anyone else read how fast Onana is? Very impressive when you remember he is also 6’5 feet tall.
Hell no and the same applies for Onana (not technically good enough).
The four names the club should be looking at are Frankie de Jong, Nicolas Barella, Martin Zubimendi or Ezequiel Fernandez although I acknowledge the first two players would be extremely difficult to sign from their respective clubs.
You don’t think Onana could be coached to improve the technical side of his game?