Boxing icon Frank Warren tells Brazilian superstar to join Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta would say no

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Legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren is not the type to shy away from asking for what he wants.

Arsenal fan Frank Warren has been one of the most successful figures in British boxing in the last half-century, having promoted and managed the likes of ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed, Frank Bruno, Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, and Amir Khan, amongst many others. 

As well as the biggest names in the ring, Warren has also come into contact with the biggest stars in football. He once told Cristiano Ronaldo that he should join Arsenal. 

The 72-year-old has now been up to a similar trick with Neymar.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Frank Warren tells Neymar to join Arsenal

At a recent boxing event in Saudi Arabia, Warren was seen telling Neymar: “He’s coming to England. He’s going to come and play for Arsenal. We need you, we need you!”

The Brazilian icon could be seen laughing the comment off, before sharing a hug with Warren. 

Neymar is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, representing Al Hilal. The 32-year-old previously enjoyed a successful career in Europe, with trophy-laden spells on the books with Barcelona and PSG.

He has also made his mark at international level, amassing 128 caps for Brazil to date. He is also the top goalscorer in his country’s history, with 79 strikes to his name, having surpassed Pele.

Why Mikel Arteta would turn down Neymar

There is no truth in Warren’s claim that Neymar is joining the Gunners, nor is it likely that Mikel Arteta would be overly keen to welcome the attacker to the Emirates Stadium.

Of course, Neymar is world class player, but he is no longer the force that he once was, and he would certainly demand astronomical wages, too.

Whilst Arteta was willing to take a punt on Raheem Sterling in the recent summer transfer window, who arrived in North London on loan from Chelsea, the details of that deal were crucial. Arsenal negotiated a deal for Sterling that means that they had to pay no loan fee, and the Blues are still covering the majority of his wages. 

Al Hilal would not sanction such a deal, and outside of such a bargain opportunity, Arteta has shown little inclination towards signing ageing forwards.