Arsenal keen on signing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves ahead of Newcastle United

Arsenal are interested in signing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves during the January transfer window, according to talkSPORT.

Newcastle United are also eyeing a loan deal for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star to cover for the banned Sandro Tonali, but Premier League clubs are expected to vote in favour of a block on clubs loaning players from within their own ownership group next week.

Al-Hilal and the Magpies are both owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the major rule change could now benefit Arsenal if it is effected.

Gunners director of football Edu is a long-term admirer of Neves, and the North Londoners are prioritising signing a midfielder in January following an injury to Thomas Partey.

The Ghana international is out of action until January due to an injury and could also be missing in action for Arsenal if he makes the Africa Cup of Nations holding between January and February.

As a result, manager Mikel Arteta needs to bolster his options in defensive midfield, and Neves fits the bill.

Super agent Jorge Mendes was looking to entice the Gunners into signing the 26-year-old in the summer, and he could finally get his wish in the coming weeks.

Wolves left-back Hugo Bueno showered praise on the ‘incredible’ Neves following his equaliser against Brentford in November 2022, and Arsenal could do with his experience and exceptional eye for spectacular goals.

Declan Rice and Jorginho are the holding midfielders available right now, and Arteta needs an additional player in the position during the second half of the campaign.

Neves could prove to be an upgrade on the Italian, and signing him could help boost their title challenge.