Former PL boss admits he’s ‘never seen’ a player like one Arsenal target before

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Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez has given his verdict on Arsenal target Joao Neves.

Arsenal have been tracking Joao Neves for some time. The 19-year-old Benfica teenager is now establishing himself on the international stage.

The talented young midfielder has now been capped three times by Portugal and hasn’t looked at all out of place at that level.

Neves is already an established star for Benfica. He has already made 29 appearances for the club, across all competitions, so far this season and has become a lynchpin in the team at the base of the midfield. Despite his youth, Neves already possesses the maturity and composure in his game required to shine in that role.

Neves is an excellent passer of the ball, can compete fiercely in his duels, and is able to position himself well to protect the defensive line behind him.

The teenager is clearly a huge talent, and Roberto Martinez has now heaped even more praise on the wonderkid. Speaking on Canal 11, the manager said, “João Neves reached the national team at 19 and showed a personality and maturity that surprised me a lot. I’ve never seen a situation like Neves in my career. In two days he gained the respect of the entire Portugal locker room.”

Could Joao Neves be a part of the Arsenal midfield rebuild?

When it comes to the midfield department at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will already be actively planning for the future, as a major overhaul is on the horizon in that part of the pitch. With Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny all approaching the end of their playing days, a refresh is certainly due at the Emirates Stadium. As things stand, only Declan Rice can really be said to represent the long-term future of the club’s midfield unit.

Due to this, Arsenal have already been linked with a number of potential midfield signings. Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz has been dubbed Arteta’s “dream” acquisition. Everton ace Amadou Onana is also thought to been keen on making a move to the Emirates Stadium. On top of that, the Gunners have been urged to swoop for Barcelona gem Frenkie de Jong. 

Neves is a less established figure than any of those potential targets just listed, but he is clearly a huge talent, and Arteta has shown in his time as Arsenal boss that he is not afraid to invest his faith and transfer funds in youth. If Neves can keep building on the promise he has shown in the early part of his career then he could be a sensational signing for Arsenal.