Boost for Arsenal as Wolves Prepare to Sell Ruben Neves in the Summer

According to The Sun, signing Ruben Neves in the summer is high on the priority list for Arsenal. The Gunners had diverted their attention towards the Portuguese after their failed pursuit of Emi Buendia last summer. Mikel Arteta believes that the Wolves midfielder will play a key role in Arsenal’s rebuild. After this decision, the Gunners will be pleased after hearing a recent revelation by Wolves boss Bruno Lage.

Lage mentioned that he is aware that keeping Neves at the club in the summer will be very difficult. However, he wants the best for the player too. In another report by The Sun, Wolves are willing to discuss contract talks with Ruben Neves but they will allow him to leave the club if he does not agree to extend his contract.

Ruben Neves celebrating for Wolves, Ruben Neves, Arsenal — Image obtained via The Independent

Wolves are willing to let Neves leave if they get the right offer, according to The Athletic. Barcelona are also in the race giving tough competition to Arsenal. This is what Bruno Lage had to say about the situation revolving around Neves,

“From my side he knows my opinion. I want the best for his career. If he prefers to remain with us, I will for sure be happy and stronger but this is football. When you see the level he is playing at. A big team comes with a better offer. We need to analyze what is better for us and the player.”

Why Has Arsenal Listed Ruben Neves As A High-Priority Signing?

Most of the players can only attack or only defend. However, Ruben Neves is an expert in both departments. He plays as a defensive midfielder for Wolves still he is their 3rd highest goal-scorer in the Premier League this season. He has been the heart of the Wolves’ gameplay and the team largely depend on his brilliant performances.

When Wolves struggle to score goals, they look at Ruben Neves to score from long range as he has a very good success rate of scoring from distance. He uses his ability on the ball to spray passes in all areas of the pitch which creates a lot of chances for his team. He has already passed the ball more than any other player from the Wolves squad in the Premier League.

Ruben Neves playing for Wolves, Ruben Neves, Arsenal — Image obtained via Shropshire Star

All this attacking contribution comes along with contribution in defence also. He is a very good tackler of the ball and has very good awareness which is needed when you play as a defensive midfielder. Neves is capable of doing more if he plays as a central midfielder or plays the role of a number 8. That is exactly what Arsenal wants from their priority target.

Will Arsenal Benefit From Breaking The Bank For The Wolves Talisman?

Arsenal currently plays in a double pivot with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. Both of them have done very well this season, especially Partey. However, Partey could do even more if he has a better partner alongside him. Although Xhaka has been good for Arsenal, he does not possess the attacking quality of Ruben Neves and sometimes makes rash decisions.

Ruben Neves will allow Arsenal to attack more while also providing defensive cover. With his technical ability, he can carry the ball forward and make that killer pass with his extraordinary vision. Moreover, the defenders won’t like to give him even a yard of space anywhere near the box. His long shots are very lethal and most of them are on target.

Neves will also allow Arteta to play a different system other than 4-2-3-1. Arteta can set up a team in a 4-3-3 formation while playing Partey as a holding midfielder and Neves as a central midfielder.

Many elite European clubs play in a 4-3-3 system which allows them to play more attacking football. Since, Arsenal are highly likely to play in the Champions League next season, a change of system could help them go very far in the competition.

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