Darren Bent is ‘hoping’ Arsenal sign Pedro Neto of Wolves amid Mikel Arteta targeting a January transfer for the winger following yet another injury problem to Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners are sweating over Saka’s involvement this Sunday when Arsenal host title rivals Manchester City at Emirates Stadium. Arteta had to remove the 22-year-old from the tie in their Champions League defeat to RC Lens. It was Saka’s third game in a row with an issue.
Arteta also had to remove Saka from the action with separate foot issues against Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth. Now, the winger may miss Manchester City’s trip to Arsenal this Sunday with a hamstring injury. So, Arteta has turned his attention to the January sales.
Bent wants Arsenal to sign January transfer target Neto of Wolves
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are rivalling Manchester United to sign Neto in January and are in a stronger position for his transfer from Wolves. The Gunners will have more to spend in the winter market. While the Red Devils are a far less attractive destination for the winger.
Wolves will demand at least £60m to sell Neto. But those close to the 23-year-old think the bidding war will amplify next summer. So, Arsenal and Manchester United have both spoken with the Portugal international’s agent, Jorge Mendes, about the conditions for any transfer.
Arteta and Erik ten Hag are both huge fans of Neto, hence Arsenal and Manchester United’s interest in his transfer from Wolves. Now, Gunners fan and former Tottenham striker Bent is also on the record professing his appreciation for the winger he hopes goes to the Emirates.
“He’s too good [for Wolves],” Bent stated on talkSPORT. “I’m hoping Arsenal get him, that’s what I’m hoping, because he is fantastic.”
Manchester United are not Arsenal’s only rival for the winger
Arsenal and Manchester United are targeting Neto’s transfer amid his superb start at Wolves this season. The four-cap Portugal winger has created four assists and a goal over his seven Premier League fixtures. He also created Ruben Dias’ own goal to beat Manchester City 2-1.
But while Arteta and Ten Hag are huge fans, 90min also reports that Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are tracking Neto. The Saudi Pro League is also monitoring his efforts in view of him being its next marquee signing. The Middle East nation has considered a swoop before, too.
90min also claims that Arsenal have scouted Neto several times in the past month alone as Arteta plots his transfer. Saka’s recent injury problems have concerned the Gunners enough to target another forward. Emirates Stadium chiefs are also keen to sign another left-footer.
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