KEY POINTS

  • Arsenal now focuses on Ruben Neves after falling short in its Emi Buendia bid
  • Mikel Arteta is compelled to make a huge move this coming transfer window
  • The Gunners have already touched base with Wolverhampton for Neves

Arsenal now has Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton on its radar after getting the short end of the stick in its chase Emi Buendia.

Aware that they need to beef up the middle, the 24-year-old has emerged as the alternative for the Gunners as they try to provide Thomas Partey with much-needed help.

According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal has touched base with the Wanderers for a potential move involving the Portuguese footballer.

Neves looms as a perfect replacement for Buendia, who appears to be moving to Villa Park. However, the Gunners would need to fork out about £35 million this summer.

The deal would make sense for Wolverhampton if they intend to consider players in the summer transfer window, needing to sell some assets to have funds to spend.

The good thing about Neves is that he is only 24 years old and has plenty of room to improve.

Head coach Mikel Arteta knows that he needs to work on improving the middle, making the Portuguese a superb addition.

But right now, all this should be taken lightly. Until Arsenal officially announces a breakthrough in its talks with the Wanderers, there is no telling if the pursuit for Neves will gain ground.

Neves is one of three high-profile names that make sense for Arteta and company. With the imminent departure of players such as Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka, the Gunners need to skim the market to fill in the void.

Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers Getty Images | Catherine Ivill

The Gunners did make a bid for Buendia, but that was thumbed down. Their initial bid was £30m, but Norwich City wanted them to improve on that offer.

In the end, Aston Villa beat the Gunners and offered £33 million, Sky Sports reported.

The botched effort will likely draw the ire of Arteta considering he has had his eyes on the 24-year-old midfielder for quite some time now.

He knew what the Argentinian could bring to the fold, only to blow up in his face.

Neves could somehow make up for that missed opportunity with Arsenal expected to continue to check its options heading to the next season.

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