Arsenal reportedly working on deal for 24-year-old, a player Paul Merson labelled ‘unbelievable’ in 2018

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are reportedly working on a deal to lure Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves to The Emirates this summer. The Midlands club are said to be ready to cash in, and a claim from Paul Merson in 2018 will prove exciting for Gunners fans, especially if Neves joins.

Neves, 24, has been excellent for Wolves ever since he swapped Porto for the Molineux in 2017. He has since played 176 times for Wolves in four seasons – averaging more than 40 games each campaign. He has also become a regular in Portugal’s national side, but now a move is expected.

The Athletic reported that he is available for just £35million this summer. Wolves are expected to undergo some surgery this summer and Neves is likely to go. The Times followed on from the initial Athletic report, claiming Arsenal are in talks to sign him. Gunners icon Merson is a fan.

Merson was quoted by the Birmingham Mail in 2018, when Neves was still in the Championship, as saying: “This lad in midfield, Neves, oh, he can play. He is one proper player. This is no disrespect to Wolves but how’s he playing in the Championship? Seriously. He could easily play in the Premier League, easily. And he would be one of the best players. His passing and his vision, this kid is unbelievable.”

Neves would be an incredible Arsenal signing, amid Merson claim

Ask any Arsenal fan what they need most this summer. The majority will state that numerous positions require strengthening – in goal, right-back, centre-back, out wide and even up front. But if Arsenal fans had to pick one signing to happen, it would be a partner for Thomas Partey.

If Partey is to the dogged, defensive work, Arsenal need a ball-playing, progressive midfielder alongside. Neves is ideal. Not only does he offer that and at £35million he is cheap, but he is still 24 and can score goals out of nothing. His delivery from set-pieces is pretty good too.