Transfer Rumors: Arsenal Gets Fresh Lease In Chase For Wolves Midfielder

KEY POINTS

Arsenal needs to cough up big money to acquire Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton
Neves has more than two years left in his contract before he can leave on a more manageable fee
The Wolves are aware of the growing interest in Ruben Neves

Arsenal allegedly got some good news following reports that Ruben Neves is unlikely to sign a new deal with the Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, this could be the opening that the Gunners are waiting although it will cost them heftily, The Sun reported.

Last summer, Arsenal had reportedly opened talks with the Wolves about a potential deal for Neves, but nothing materialized.

But with Neves playing outstanding football right now, prying him away from Molineux Stadium will not be easy.

He has become a favorite over there, meaning Wolverhampton is likely to seek a steep price to let him go.

Proof of Neves' brilliant run was the performance he showed against Manchester United last Monday, January 3.

Combining with Joao Moutinho, both led the Wolves to a 1-0 win over the Red Devils, Sky Sports reported.

Given his stock and rising value, the Wanderers are reportedly expected to seek at least £40 million ($50 million) to let Neves walk.

So if not immediately, Arsenal may opt to wait rather than spend heftily on the Portuguese footballer.

Unfortunately, that would be a two-and-a-half-year wait. Unless the Gunners direly want to get Neves to their side immediately, spending at least $54 million may be the only way to go.

The decision on that falls at the hands of head coach Mikel Arteta who continues to try and address the team’s midfield woes.

He has yet to do major tweaks in that area and is making do with the players that he inherited when he joined the club.

Some players are leaving soon and this is something that could hamper the Gunners’ success this season.

Neves would be a definite upgrade, but Arteta needs to justify and convince management to shell out cash for that to happen.

It is also worth considering that given the good performance of Neves, there are other teams also lurking. That includes Manchester United who is reportedly plotting a £35 million ($47.36 million) bid for the midfielder this January transfer window.