Manchester United are yet again joining Arsenal in a fight to sign a midfielder this summer. The Premier League giants were recently reported to be ‘in discussions’ with Wolverhampton Wanderers over Ruben Neves but now, reports suggest that Manchester United are in the fray and are willing to go ‘Head-to-head’ with Arsenal for the Portuguese midfielder. Both clubs are hoping to sign a midfielder this summer and were previously linked together with signing Eduardo Camavinga.
Neves joined Wolves from Porto and has now made over 175 appearances for the club in all competitions since his move back in 2017.
The 24-year-old is a superb passer of the ball and has been excellent for Wolves in the three seasons that he has played for the team. Last season, he played 31 games, assisting once, and completing 86% of his passes besides winning 62% of his tackles.
Neves also featured glowingly for the Portuguese national squad in the Euro 2020 championship alongside Manchester Utd star, Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United have already been linked with signing Declan Rice as well, besides Camavinga. However, Ruben Neves also seems to be a viable option now for the Manchester giants.
Renowned Journalist, Rudy Galetti, was responsible for breaking the news about the transfer in his tweet where he has stated that United and Arsenal are going to head-to-head for Ruben Neves this summer and nothing less than €40 million (£34m) will sway Wolves in parting ways with the highly rated midfielder.
🚨⚔️ Head-to-head between #Arsenal and #ManchesterUnited for Ruben #Neves. The 🇵🇹 midfielder could leave #Wolverhampton, but without discounts: the request remains for €40M. 🐓⚽ #Calciomercato #Transfers #EPL #ManUTD
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 4, 2021
Wolves have stated that both teams need to pay a €40 million fee if they wish to sign the player. The club are not up for negotiations of discounts, as they believe the 24-year-old midfielder is worth that amount. As such, the question remains as to whether the two English giants would be willing to pay the required fee.
Man Utd need to sign a quality central-defensive midfielder if they wish to compete for the title in the next season. On paper, they have the likes of Matic, Fred, Scott McTominay, and at times Donny VDB for the role. In reality, however, the present United team needs someone of Neves’ quality and experience to play the pivot role in their attacks.
United’s midfield scenario is unstable right now, with Matic and Mata ageing, and Pogba and Van De Beek engulfed in transfer rumours linking them with a possible departure. Neves’ arrival at the moment might be just the jolt in the arm that Ole’s team needs before embarking on a new challenge next season. Ruben Neves is still young at 24-years and is yet to reach his prime potential with his best years ahead of him.
Neves also has a significant experience of playing in the Premier League and is consistent in his performances which makes him an established premier league talent who does not need any adjustment period whatsoever. The fact that he has also played alongside Bruno Fernandes is also an added benefit. He could bring stability in the midfield area, especially on the defensive side providing Pogba the opportunity and security he needs to flourish up top in the opposition half. Something that United have been unable to make happen the past few seasons.
Ruben Neves would undoubtedly be an exciting signing for the Red Devils and would be wholly welcomed at Old Trafford by United faithfuls. He could be the next piece in the puzzle, as United hope to build a squad strong enough to be title contenders in the coming season.
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