Arteta now urges Arsenal board to launch bid for ‘sensational’ £47m star

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Mikel Arteta is keen to see Ruben Neves become an Arsenal player.

According to Sport, Mikel Arteta has urged the Arsenal board to launch a move for Ruben Neves.

Neves joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal for £47 million in the recent summer transfer window. However, the Gunners seem to believe that the 26-year-old could be tempted back to the Premier League already.

Neves certainly still has plenty to offer at the highest level of the game. In his time at Wolves, the Portuguese ace established himself as one of the most exciting midfield talents in the English game. In 2022, Gary Neville even described him as being “sensational.”

It would be a tough ask for the Gunners to secure the player’s services in the upcoming January transfer window, though. Al Hilal will want to make a healthy profit on Neves, having only signed him themselves very recently. What’s more, Neves will be on big wages in Saudi Arabia, which Arsenal would surely struggle to match. 

Ruben Neves an exciting potential addition at Arsenal

Arteta is certainly keen to bolster his midfield options in the upcoming January transfer window. However, Arsenal only have a limited budget with which to do so. They are also eyeing up other targets in this part of the pitch, with the likes of Douglas Luiz under consideration according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, as well as Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo.

With Thomas Partey’s persistent injury issues in mind, the north London club would certainly be wise to strengthen in the middle of the park. There is currently far too much of a reliance on Declan Rice to be fit and available for every match, whilst Jorginho has flaws in his game which can be exposed by top class opponents. 

Neves would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad. The 45-cap Portugal international is technically excellent, boasts an impressive range of passing, and can have an impact in the final third. He also has his best years ahead of him, and already has nearly 200 Premier League appearances under his belt.

Whether or not the club are able to get a deal done for Neves in January is doubtful, but it is clear that Arteta greatly admires the player. Arsenal have shown a willingness to push the boat out for the Spanish coach’s top targets in the past, whilst Arteta himself has shown that he is prepared to be patient in his pursuit of players he really wants.