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Arsenal target Ruben Neves to leave Wolves in the summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on February 23, 2023

Long-term Arsenal target Ruben Neves is reportedly set to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, as per The Athletic.

The 25-year-old moved to the Molineux Stadium back in 2017 from FC Porto for a fee of around £16m. Since then, he’s established himself as an integral part of Wolves’ starting eleven and is now deemed one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

It was thought at the end of last season that he would be on his way out of the club with Arsenal among those strongly linked. However, a move never materialised last summer and he ended up staying with Wolves.

The midfielder has entered the final 18 months of his current contract and is yet to sign a new deal with Julen Lopetegui’s side. So, his long-term future at the Molineux Stadium is currently uncertain.

If he doesn’t sign a new deal over the coming months then Wolves could look to cash in at the end of this season in fear of losing him for free. And in that case, the north London club – who hold a long-term interest in the Portugal international – would be handed a great opportunity to finally sign their target.

Arsenal target Neves set to leave

According to the report by The Athletic, Neves – valued at around £35m by Transfermarkt – is expected to leave Wolves following the conclusion of this season and Arsenal are waiting in the wings to pounce.

Despite signing Jorginho on deadline day this winter, it has widely been suggested that the Gunners are keen on strengthening their engine room in the summer.

Declan Rice has been mentioned as their primary target, but along with the English international, Moises Caicedo, Martin Zubimendi, Youri Tielemans and Neves have all been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

The Portuguese likes to be deployed in the holding midfielder role and Rice also plays in the same position. So, with the Englishman seemingly the north London club’s priority target, Neves could be the alternative option that Mikel Arteta’s side are lining up if they fail to get a deal done for the West Ham United ace.