Arsenal have fallen behind in the race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves, according to reports.
Barcelona and Manchester United have moved ahead of the Gunners in the race for the Portuguese international, who has always been linked with top clubs in the Premier League and abroad.
The Catalonians are the favourites for his signature, with manager Xavi Hernandez making a personal call to the 25-year-old to sign for him.
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Arsenal have identified midfield as their main area of improvement with Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny not performing consistently over their careers in North London.
Neves is valued by Bruno Lage and Wolves at over £100m and that kind of fee is the ‘main problem’ clubs will have in potentially landing the Portuguese midfielder.
Wolves technical director Scott Sellars admitted that the club are “realistic” over Neves’ future but they hope he will decide to stay at Molineux.
“Ruben’s a top player; Ruben’s been fantastic this season and I think showed again his quality, also I think showed how happy he is here, so I think that’s something we as a club know as well.
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“The ideal situation is we want him to stay, and I’ve spoken to him about it. But I’m also realistic that when you’ve got an outstanding player then the top clubs are going to come and try to see what the situation is. Again, it will be discussed, and what’s right for the club, and will certainly be something we’ll look at.”
With Barcelona’s financial situation still something to consider, Arsenal could pounce early in the window for the central midfielder, despite Xavi’s personal attempts.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers