Arsenal identify Joao Neves as Martin Zubimendi alternative
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Arsenal have identified Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves as an alternative to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to Record.
The Gunners are on the search for a new defensive midfielder and they have been constantly linked with a move for Zubimendi, who is hugely admired by manager Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard currently has a release clause worth £51 million in his contract, but he has shown no desire to consider a move away from his boyhood club thus far.
Record today (page 9) claim that Zubimendi is the priority midfield target for the Gunners, but the 25-year-old ‘prefers to continue’ in Spain next season.
The London giants have identified Neves as their alternative, but the club are aware that Benfica won’t enter negotiations for a transfer fee less than £85m.
Neves would be a statement signing for Arsenal
The 19-year-old had a brilliant full campaign with Benfica last term. He completed 90 per cent of his passes with a long ball accuracy of around 70 per cent.
He was also superb defensively with an average of six duels and two tackles won per appearance.
Neves is only 174cms in height, but he has a brilliant leap. He won almost 60 per cent of his aerial challenges last season.
The Portuguese, who has been described as an ‘excellent‘ player by Bruno Fernandes, has shown a lot of maturity at a tender age.
In our opinion, he would be a much better acquisition than Zubimendi for the Gunners.
Zubimendi is vastly experienced compared to Neves, but the latter has immense potential and fits into the club’s playing style with his regular high pressing.
A deal is set to be more expensive, but Benfica are likely to accept a long-term payment plan unlike Sociedad, who may want the entire transfer fee up front.
On top of this, Zubimendi has shown no intention to leave the La Liga club. Arsenal would be better off stepping up their pursuit of Neves in the near future.
Stats from Sofascore.com