Arsenal have reportedly added an £86m-rated midfielder to their summer shortlist who has an admirer in Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Gunners are expected to spend big in the upcoming transfer window, with Mikel Arteta reportedly interested in signing a top midfielder to complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the Arsenal system.
With Martin Zubimendi the main name linked with Arsenal, all signs seem to suggest that the Real Sociedad star will be the player the north London side target in their bid to complete their midfield this summer.
However, a new name has now been added to the shortlist.
Arsenal join race to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves
According to TBR Football, Arsenal have joined the race to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, who with a reported release clause worth £86m is expected to leave for big money this summer after a breakout year.
Lauded by Fernandes as an ‘excellent’ prospect, Neves has won plenty of plaudits this season as one of the most exciting youngsters in all of Europe, with United one of the clubs linked with the teenager.
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And it now appears that Arsenal have also joined the hunt for Neves, who at 19-years-old is expected to travel to Germany this summer as part of Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad for the Euros.
Indeed, Neves has a lot of qualities that would make the teenage midfield an exciting signing for Arsenal, and if the Gunners miss out on other targets, the Benfica wonderkid could be a good option for Arteta.
Neves could become a superstar under Arteta in north London
Given how much it would cost to bring Neves to Arsenal, there’s a real chance that the Portuguese international will flourish in north London under Arteta if the transfer was to be made.
The Basque coach is very particular with what he wants from his midfielders, and Neves’ mentality in recent months has shown a player who is willing to learn and to adapt to get the best out of his game.
Whilst other more experienced targets might be more suitable for Arsenal this summer, Neves fits the bill as a long-term midfield option for the Gunners, who at 19 still has plenty more developing to do.
