Chelsea are now set to sign £51m Arsenal target, Mikel Arteta has made the right decision

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Arsenal have been linked with a number of wingers this summer, as Mikel Arteta aims to add quality and depth to his attack.

Arsenal scored a lot last season, but they arguably lack a game-changing attacker who can make an impact in games where The Gunners are struggling to score.

They also lack some speed in transition when Gabriel Martinelli is not on the pitch, and Bukayo Saka also needs an option he can occasionally rotate with.

This saw Arsenal linked with the likes of Nico Williams and Raphinha, but a move for a long-term target in Wolves star Pedro Neto was also mooted.

However, the Portugal International is now set to join Premier League rivals Chelsea in a huge money deal.

Arsenal target Pedro Neto will join Chelsea this summer

It has now been reported that Chelsea will sign Neto for a £51m fixed fee, with £2.5m extra in addons, with agent Jorge Mendes driving the deal.

“Pedro Neto to Chelsea, here we go! Wolves accept bid worth €60m fixed fee plus €3m add-ons as almost matches initial price tag. Neto’s agent Mendes has agreed on personal terms with Chelsea. Medical tests booked for Pedro at #CFC with Wolves keen on Ajax’s Carlos Forbes,” Fabrizio Romano posted on X.

Arsenal were long-term admirers of Neto, and were reportedly interested in a deal this summer, but he will now join their rivals.

Neto can play on both wings and would have added serious speed and attacking quality to Arsenal’s attack, but given his price tag, Mikel Arteta was right not to pursue a deal for him.

Arsenal were right to avoid Pedro Neto deal

Despite his quality, Neto’s injury record is a huge red flag, and he played in just 20 of 38 league games last season.

Arsenal were interested in a deal for him in 2020, but he picked up a long-term injury, and has consistently struggled with injuries since.

Neto has missed 38 of his last possible 72 Premier League appearances, and his issues are likely to continue.

Arsenal have already suffered from injury frustrations over Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus, and given Neto’s price tag, a deal was simply too risky.

If Neto’s price was lower, it would have been a fair gamble on whether he could stay fit. Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman has also suffered with injuries, but could be available on a loan deal, which is a much less risky deal if Arsenal are to sign a winger this summer.