One club are expecting Arsenal to make a bid for the most talented player in their squad.
The Gunners could do with reinforcements in multiple areas of their pitch, but a new midfielder will likely be their priority in this summer’s transfer window.
Arsenal have been linked with plenty of midfielders since the turn of 2024, but the youngest of them all could be subject to an offer very soon.
However, Arsenal face competition from Manchester United in the race for his signature.
Arsenal’s stance on signing Joao Neves from Benfica
Joao Neves has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.
The talented defensive midfielder, still only 19 years old, is viewed by many as one of the best young players in the world right now.
Neves has even been branded as an ‘excellent prospect’ by Bruno Fernandes, whose Manchester United side are also interested in his services.
Now, A Bola have shared the latest on Neves amid links to England.
The report reveals that two Premier League clubs are willing to offer £51 million to sign Neves this summer, but Benfica are not prepared to let him go for such a small amount.
Neves is protected by a release clause in his contract worth an eye-watering £102 million, which is a crazy figure for a 19-year-old who has played less than 5000 minutes of senior football in his club career.
The report adds that Arsenal and Manchester United are both interested in Neves and are expected to return with a bid to sign him, ‘probably soon’.
Benfica also know that hardly any club in the world will get anywhere near the £102 million release clause that they are hoping to receive.
The Portuguese giants want to extend Neves’ contract, but talks stopped after the player wasn’t happy with the terms offered to him. The report claims it’s unlikely that he will return to the negotiating table.
READ MORE: Joao Neves’ potential explained as Arsenal target could reach Declan Rice level
Neves does one thing better than Arsenal star Declan Rice
Arsenal’s Declan Rice is the most complete midfielder in the world.
The Englishman was amazing for the Gunners in his debut season at the Emirates. He was unbelievable in almost every game.
One thing about Rice that impressed Arsenal fans is how much ground he covers every game – he’s absolutely everywhere on the pitch.
Arsenal target Neves is cut from a similar cloth and is even better than Rice in that department.
In the 2023/24 Champions League season, Rice covered 112.1 kilometres in 10 appearances, which is an average of 11.21 kilometres per game.
Neves only played six games in the competition last season and covered 74.22 kilometres. That’s an average of 12.37 kilometres per game, which is more than Rice. (UEFA)
Imagine the two of them together in Arsenal’s midfield next season!