Arsenal transfer target Pedro Neto was deployed in an unusual manner for Portugal against Georgia at Euro 2024.
Portugal suffered a shock 2-0 defeat against Georgia in their final group stage game at Euro 2024 last night. However, Roberto Martinez’s side were already guaranteed to progress to the knockout rounds of the competition prior to kick off, so the manager used this fixture as an opportunity to experiment with his side somewhat.
The Spaniard made numerous changes to his Portugal starting XI, with Arsenal target Pedro Neto being brought into the side.
Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Neto for some time. Mikel Arteta is certainly keen to bolster his ranks in the wide areas this summer, and the Wolverhampton Wanderers star would represent an exciting arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
There can be no doubting the 24-year-old’s raw quality. He possesses blistering pace, is a creative force, and is technically gifted. He was in scintillating form for Wolves last season, as he racked up 2 goals and 9 assists in just 20 Premier League outings.
However, despite these attributes, Arsenal have still been warned off signing Neto due to his injury record.
If Arteta believes that the attacker can put his fitness woes behind him, though, then he may still be tempted to bring the player to North London. The Arsenal manager and his scouts will certainly have been keeping tabs on Neto last night.
Arsenal transfer target Pedro Neto adopts unusual position for Portugal
Neto played as a left-wing-back for Portugal against Georgia, despite having established himself as a right-winger for Wolves. However, as Portugal dominated possession and territory in Gelsenkirchen, he was still able to play in a very attack-minded manner.
Whilst Neto did not have an outstanding game, he worked hard defensively, and delivered a number of balls into the box. It wasn’t his best night, but he showed promise in an unfamiliar role.
This may well have been of interest to Arsenal, as Neto would become a far more attractive proposition if he could prove his ability to shine on either flank. As a natural left-footer, he ought to be able to flourish on that side of the pitch.
This would mean that he could offer cover and competition for both Bukayo Saka on the right, and Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left, at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.