Arsenal are considering reviving their interest in the transfer of Portugal star Pedro Neto to refresh their attack with Wolves’ true feelings about his sale now revealed.
The 24-year-old helped Germany kick their Euro 2024 campaign off with a dramatic late win against the Czech Republic this Tuesday. Boss Roberto Martinez introduced Neto in the 89th minute in Leipzig but his run and cross led to Francisco Conceicao’s stoppage-time winner.
Neto shrugged off Vladimir Coufal’s challenge beside the touchline and saw Conceicao react first to Robin Hranac’s mistake to drill in his delivery. The tie was also only Neto’s eighth cap since November 2020 owing to his previous injuries, which saw him miss Euro 2020, as well.
Wolves have earmarked Arsenal target Pedro Neto as their big-money sale
Martinez named Neto in Portugal’s Euro 2024 team after penning 11 assists and three goals for Wolves last season. He further registered nine of his assists and two goals through his 20 Premier League appearances. The winger missed 17 matches due to two hamstring injuries.
He suffered injuries to each hamstring but Neto offered Wolves enough to also earn interest from Arsenal in a transfer. That is according to Dean Jones, who reports Mikel Arteta is keen for the Gunners to add new life to his attack and might eye a move for Neto after Euro 2024.
READ MORE: Important dates for Arsenal fans as 2024/25 Premier League fixtures released
Neto would give Arteta fresh competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the new campaign. Wolves also believe a deal to sell Neto could be struck in the coming weeks. Molineux chiefs have earmarked the 24-year-old’s exit as their big-money sale this summer.
Only Martin Odegaard gave Arsenal more assists than Pedro Neto gave Wolves
Wolves have planned for Neto’s sale and could now see Arsenal revive their interest having monitored his performances for ages. But reports by The Telegraph note the Old Gold want a club record £60m for Neto as Manchester City and Newcastle United also appreciate him.
Despite his major injury problems, Neto still offered more assists in the Premier League last term than any Wolves player. He further gave Gary O’Neil a versatile threat as the Portugal star’s 20 appearances were spread over their right and left wings, plus through the centre.
Arteta would no doubt relish the versatility that Neto’s transfer would offer Arsenal, where only Martin Odegaard (10) registered more assists in the top-flight last term. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also penned nine assists but in 35 and 38 matches compared to Neto’s 20.