‘There is the feeling’: Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal could face competition for PL star

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Arsenal have again been linked with Wolves winger Pedro Neto, with the club’s interest in him dating back to well over a year ago, but they could face competition for him.

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that there is serious interest in Neto from Arsenal, who could be set to leave Wolves in the next two windows.

However, despite Mikel Arteta’s long-standing interest in the 23-year-old, a deal may not be wholly straightforward, as the Gunners could face competition from a number of clubs for his signature.

Arsenal’s interest in Pedro Neto

In his Daily Briefing, Romano claimed that a number of unnamed clubs are tracking the winger alongside Arsenal, and that there will be no shortage of interest in the Portuguese star.

“He’s a Wolves player and we need to respect that and to allow them to enjoy this incredible talent, but, at the same time, there is the feeling that in 2024 we will see important clubs coming in for Neto,” he stated.

“There’s no clarity at all on price tag now, also because in the summer for Wolves it was not even a topic to sell Pedro Neto, he was untouchable.

“Arsenal have been tracking the player, they know the player very well, and they wanted him last year, but there are also other clubs keeping an eye on the situation.

“Many clubs are considering Neto as a target and they know he’s a very good player, though I can’t name these clubs as of now. But as I said, in 2024 Neto’s situation could be one to watch.”

How heavily should Arsenal pursue Neto?

It seems clear that Neto is being targeted as a winger who can provide competition for Bukayo Saka, and add more depth to the squad, but other interest in him means that he may come with a hefty price-tag.

Given that the likes of Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Leandro Trossard are yet to feature heavily, Arsenal’s depth in attacking areas is strong, but they do lack another natural right winger like Saka.

Neto would arrive as a depth option rather than a starter, but if his price tag is too high, then Arsenal should consider alternative targets. With Saka set to be the starter regardless of who comes in, there can be more flexibility over the choice of backup winger Arteta decides to sign.