Arsenal now face ‘difficult’ pursuit of 8-assist £60m Man Utd transfer target

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Arsenal will now face a ‘difficult’ pursuit of Pedro Neto if boss Mikel Arteta targets a transfer for the Wolves forward Manchester United are interested in during January.

The 23-year-old was in superb form earlier this season as an essential part of Gary O’Neil’s squad. Neto started this term on fire but sustained a hamstring injury in October which kept him out of eight Premier League games. But the winger finally made his return last Saturday.

Losing Neto was devastating for Wolves having offered one goal and eight assists across 10 top-flight appearances. He also only failed to influence a goal in just two outings to start this season. But Neto’s displays also drew transfer interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Arsenal face a ‘difficult’ pursuit amid their interest in Pedro Neto

Now, though, Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal will face a ‘difficult’ pursuit if they move for Neto’s transfer from Wolves. The Gunners have admired the five-cap Portugal winger for some time. But Arteta may have to delay any move for a transfer until the summer window.

Rival clubs are also on alert to Neto’s situation after returning from his injury as Wolves beat Everton 3-0. O’Neil gave the forward the last 10 minutes at Molineux for his first game since October. Now, Wolves want to keep Neto but his situation can evolve in the coming months.

Wolves slapped a £60m asking price on Pedro Neto for January

Arsenal’s interest in Neto’s transfer is well documented, with TEAMtalk naming the Gunners and Manchester United as suitors back in November. It also noted that the Emirates Stadium natives had surpassed the Old Trafford outfit as the favourites to seal his services in January.

Neto’s injury was not seen as a reason to delay a move after Arsenal and Manchester United spoke with his agent. The winger Arteta and Erik ten Hag are huge fans of had also begun to favour the Gunners. But Wolves set Arsenal and the Red Devils a £60m price tag to get Neto.

The Old Gold’s asking price and Arteta’s developing needs in north London could now delay any move, though. The Mirror reports that Arsenal are now prioritising a new left-back this month. So, Arsenal are primed to push their interest in Neto’s transfer back to the summer.