Arsenal to make Ruben Neves bid this week as Wolves star decides he wants to join Gunners
Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
Posted Monday, June 07, 2021 by Express.co.uk
Arsenal are set to make an opening offer for Ruben Neves this week (Monday June 7) after the Wolves star told team-mates he wants to move to the Emirates, according to reports. Neves has emerged as a midfield target for Arsenal this summer. The Gunners could be looking for a replacement for Granit Xhaka.
Neves played an integral part in Wolves gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and has been a regular in their three seasons in the top flight.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is clearly in the market for a midfielder this summer.
Brighton star Yves Bissouma and Sheffield United ace Sander Berge are also reported targets.
But it appears the north London club are edging towards a move for Neves.
Arsenal transfer news: Ruben Neves has reportedly told friends he wants to join the Gunners
The Mail claim Wolves are expecting a bid from Arsenal this week.
Wolves are open to selling the Portugal international, who is valued at £34million.
Neves is aware of Arsenal's interest in him and has made it clear to team-mates he is keen on moving to the Emirates.
The 24-year-old has made 176 appearances in total for Wolves, scoring 20 goals.
Neves only has two years remaining on his contract at Molineux, which could indicate as to why Wolves are open to selling him this summer.
Meanwhile, Xhaka's future at Arsenal remains in doubt.
Arsenal and Roma are in talks regarding a deal for the Switzerland international.
Jose Mourinho is the new boss at Roma and is keen to bring Xhaka to Serie A.
Arsenal have failed to qualify for the Champions League in each of Xhaka's five seasons at the club.
Neves replacing Xhaka would leave Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny as the other central midfield options for Arteta.
Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are unlikely to stay at the club following their loan spells at Atletico Madrid and Hertha Berlin respectively.
Arsenal finished the campaign in eighth place but five straight wins to end the season was not enough to secure European football next term.
Arteta is hopeful a full pre-season with his squad can give a much-needed impact heading into the 2021/22 campaign.
Arteta said in May: "I'm sad because this club deserves to be delivered trophies and the Champions League. We haven't managed that.
"It's very challenging circumstances but we've tried to stick together and do our best. It's not been enough.
"We have to be very critical of ourselves, of myself, and then prepare the best possible way for next season to take advantage of that.
"Hopefully we can have the pre-season that I haven't had, and have time to work with those players and try to be a better team."
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