Arsenal have reportedly registered their interest in signing SL Benfica star Joao Neves this summer, as per the transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.
Having ranked through the Eagles’ youth system, the 19-year-old has established himself as a key player in Roger Schmidt’s starting eleven this season. After impressing for Benfica this term, the youngster has already secured his place in Portugal’s star-studded squad.
Now, reporting on TBR Football, Bailey has stated that Arsenal are ‘working hard’ to reinforce their engine room this summer and have already started shortlisting names before the upcoming window.
The journalist further claims that the Gunners are interested in signing Douglas Luiz and Bruno Guimaraes, however, while the former is set to stay at Aston Villa following their Champions League qualification, Mikel Arteta’s side don’t want to sign Guimaraes by spending £100m fee – which is his release clause.
So, Bailey has reported that Arsenal have identified Martin Zubimendi as the primary target and Arteta has started talking with the player to persuade him to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Neves to Arsenal
However, the journalist says that Arsenal have earmarked Neves as a serious alternative option in-case they fail to secure Zubimendi’s signature. It has also been reported that Arteta’s side have been monitoring the Portuguese’s development closely and they have now intensified their scouting over the last few weeks before making a potential swoop this summer.
It has previously been reported that Neves has a £103m release clause in his current contract so it is highly unlikely that Arsenal will push forward with a deal to sign the 19-year-old if Benfica demand that much money to let their star man leave.
Neves is a highly talented player and possesses the potential to become a top-class midfielder in future. So, he would be a great coup for Arsenal if they purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Emirates club eventually opt to make a concrete approach to sign the Portuguese international in the upcoming transfer window.
