Arsenal scouts watched Arteta midfield target bag important equaliser at weekend

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Arsenal are in the market for midfield reinforcements in the January transfer window, and another target has now emerged in Benfica’s Joao Neves.

The 19-year-old broke through at the Portuguese giants last season, and has made 38 appearances in all competitions for the Lisbon side.

Mikel Arteta is keen on strengthening his midfield as a priority, amidst Thomas Partey’s uncertain future and Kai Havertz’s struggles in trying to replace Granit Xhaka.

It has now been revealed that Arsenal scouts were in attendance at the huge Lisbon derby between Sporting Club De Portugal and Benfica at the weekend to watch Neves, and they would have liked what they saw.

Arsenal scouts watch Joao Neves

A report from 90min has revealed that scouts from Arsenal, as well as Liverpool, Manchester United and others, were in attendance at Estadio Da Luz on Saturday, where Benfica came from behind to beat their rivals.

Benfica were trailing for most of the game, but Joao Neves popped up with a 94th-minute equaliser, latching onto a loose ball in the box following a corner and smashing home.

Neves put on a display for the scouts in attendance, and his performance in such a big game at his age will no doubt have impressed Arteta.

Should Arsenal target Joao Neves?

Since Xhaka’s departure, Arsenal have been missing a piece in midfield to help link defence to attack with progressive passing, as well as providing a physical presence in addition to strong creative output.

Although Neves may not be all there in terms of goals and assists yet, he could have a positive influence on the Arsenal midfield given how well-rounded he is.

As per FBref, Neves astonishingly ranks highly among his peers for progressive passes, dribbling, and goal threat, which could make him an asset going forward. The bonus is that he also ranks highly for defensive metrics in tackles and blocks, and despite only being 1.74m tall, he ranks incredibly well amongst midfielders for winning aerial duels.

Given his age, he may take some time to settle if he does join, but his performance in a high-pressure derby has shown that he may be ready to take the next step in moving to the Premier League, and he could be the long-term solution for Arteta’s midfield issues.