Manchester United have reportedly submitted an opening transfer offer to sign one player rumoured to be on Arsenal’s summer shortlist.
The Red Devils are set for one of their biggest summers in recent memory, with speculation still surrounding Erik Ten Hag and his future with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to initiate the first part of his United rebuild.
Some big moves are expected at Old Trafford during the transfer window, with some of United’s rumoured targets also linked with a move to Arsenal, namely Benjamin Sesko.
Yet United have now seemingly made their first move to sign a talent who Arsenal are also chasing.
Manchester United make offer to sign Arsenal-linked Joao Neves
According to Record, United have made a €60m (£51m) bid to sign Benfica’s teenage midfielder Joao Neves, an offer that has been rejected immediately by the Portuguese giants.
With Neves on Arsenal’s summer shortlist, news that Benfica have turned down United already in their first attempt to sign Neves could be viewed as an encouraging sign for the north London giants.
Lauded by Bruno Fernandes as an ‘excellent’ player, there’s good reason why Arsenal are interested in signing Neves this summer, with midfield a position the Gunners are eager to strengthen this window.
Which is why news that United have had an opening bid rejected by Benfica for Neves could be such a huge update for Arsenal, who could now be motivated to make their own move for the teenager.
Neves could be exactly what Arsenal need in the midfield
Neves is the latest in a long line of Benfica wonderkids who now looks ready to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs after a sensational breakout year with the Portuguese giants this season.
And for Arsenal the midfielder could be exactly what the Gunners are looking for, with Neves at the prime age to be developed by Mikel Arteta and to be shaped into someone who could star in north London for years to come.
Whilst Benfica are seemingly demanding well over £100m for Neves, Arsenal could work their magic in the boardroom to little a deal down to something cheaper, with the teenager ideal for the Gunners project.