Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain may not see them face superstars such as Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappe, but it will still be a tricky game.
PSG reached the final in 2020, but have disappointed in Europe since, despite spending heavily on big names such as Neymar and Sergio Ramos.
They have since changed strategy to focus on younger players, and forward Kang-In Lee will be a key threat for Luis Enrique’s side against Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta will be wary of the threat his former side poses, and he is very familiar with several players who will be lining up for the visitors at the Emirates Stadium, including one he tried to sign in the summer transfer window.
Former Arsenal target Joao Neves will start for PSG in Champions League clash
At the start of the summer transfer window, Arsenal were heavily linked with Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, who was one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
The Portuguese side put an £87m price tag on the defensive midfielder, which led Arsenal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad instead.
Benfica then accepted a cash plus player offer from PSG, which saw Renato Sanches return to Lisbon, and Neves move to Paris, and he settled instantly at his new club.
The 20-year-old has recorded an astonishing five assists in six Ligue 1 appearances for PSG, and is just one goal or assist away from matching the total he managed in 75 games for Benfica.
With Merino returning to training ahead of a potential Arsenal debut, this is certainly going to be an interesting midfield battle.
Joao Neves will aim to make Champions League statement to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta
Arsenal were admirers of Neves, but his lack of experience at the top level meant that Arteta and Edu Gaspar did not want to take a risk on his signing.
Neves’ huge price tag meant that even PSG were only able to sign him as they included a player in the deal, but given that Enzo Fernandez moved from Benfica to Chelsea for a higher amount in January 2023, the midfielder will want to prove that he is even better than the Argentine.
Declan Rice and Thomas Partey will face a tough battle in the middle of the park against Neves, and should the young sensation thwart the experienced pair, he will send a message to Arteta that he was ready for a huge-money move to Arsenal.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
