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Arsenal plot swoop to sign Joao Neves this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on July 8, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly considering making a move to sign SL Benfica star Joao Neves this summer, as per the Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

The Gunners are reportedly prioritising signing a new midfielder this summer, however, it looks like Mikel Arteta’s side are planning to reinforce their backline first before looking at targets to bolster other areas of the squad.

They are edging closer to signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna after being impressed by his recent performances for club and country. Arteta’s side have already agreed on personal terms with the Italian and are now discussing with the Rossoblu to seal the deal with the Serie A club wanting around £42m for their star man.

After finalising the Calafiori deal, Arsenal might attempt to sign a new midfielder this summer. They have been linked with numerous names over the last few weeks with Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Zubimendi and Amadou Onana being among them but Neves has started to emerge as a serious target in recent times.

According to the report by O Jogo (via The Standard), Arsenal have expressed their intentions of purchasing Neves and they could formalise their interest over the coming weeks.

Neves to Arsenal

The report further claims that the 19-year-old has a £85m release clause in his current deal and his potential suitors will have to trigger the clause to secure his signature this summer. So, the North London club will have to break the bank to get the deal done.

However, O Jogo reports that Manchester United are also keen on signing him and additionally, Liverpool are plotting a swoop for him as well, therefore, Arsenal will have to overcome stiff competition from their rivals in getting any potential deal done for him.

Neves has burst onto the scene after displaying promising performances for Benfica last season. He is a highly talented player and possesses the potential to become a top-class midfielder in future.

He is comfortable with possession and can play threading passes between the lines, in addition, he has the ability to play out against high-pressing teams and can also contribute defensively as well.

So, Neves would be a great coup for Arsenal if they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually manage to secure his signature in this transfer window to reinforce their engine room.