Arsenal enter race with Man Utd & Liverpool for Joao Neves
Arsenal have joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are likely to sign a marquee midfielder and they have already been linked with the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Teun Koopmeiners.
It is now reported by Fichajes that Mikel Arteta’s side have joined the pursuit of Neves, who is on the radar of league rivals United and Liverpool.
The 19-year-old has made huge progress since his breakthrough at Benfica and he has been touted for a big-club move at the end of the campaign.
The teenager, who was described as an ‘excellent‘ player by Bruno Fernandes, currently has a release clause worth €120 million in his contract.
Arsenal unlikely to make significant outlay on Neves
The Portuguese is one of the best young defensive midfielders in the Primeira Liga. He has a passing accuracy of 90 per cent in the ongoing season.
Aside from this, Neves has won 5.8 duels per appearance alongside two tackles. The youngster also averages 6.4 ball recoveries with 1.2 take-ons.
Despite his impressive statistics, the teenager still has plenty to prove at the highest level.
He would face a much difficult challenge in the Premier League due to the higher intensity. Neves may require some time to adapt to the demands.
Taking this into mind, we don’t see the Gunners spending big on him. They could pursue a more experienced option such as Zubimendi instead.
The club’s main priority for the summer is a marquee striker. They are also eyeing a new winger, a left-back and a goalkeeper alongside a midfielder.
Stats from Sofascore.com
