Arsenal fans have been handed a positive start to the week after heavyweight journalist David Ornstein revealed their new priority target.
It’s reported that Arsenal have been in talks for over a month regarding Neto and are working hard with his agent, Jorge Mendes, to strike a deal on personal terms.
Mendes has been working as the middle man between both clubs, whilst also representing the player, suggesting there could well be some leverage to this move.
Whilst all at Arsenal are in agreement that Neto is the man for them, it’s not yet known how much this deal could cost the club given Wolves’ unwillingness to sell.
Arsenal could be held back by a big transfer fee which would risk FFP regulations given the fact their summer spending has already eclipsed £100m.
With the added factor of Nicolas Pepe still on the books, it’s been difficult to go all in on the move but as the Ivorian gets closer to OGC Nice, Arsenal appear to be making their move.
Neto is a versatile player himself, being able to operate on either wing, whilst also experiencing time as a false nine following his move from Lazio to back in 2019.
At 22 years of age he fits the profile of an Arteta signing with his youth making him the perfect candidate to challenge Bukayo Saka for a starting place.
Back in January 2020, Neto sat down with Talksport’s Ian Abrahams and said “When I was a kid, my favourite team in England was Arsenal. With Arsene Wenger, beside winning trophies, I thought they played really good football”.
It’s just another indication that this deal may have some legs to it but given the financial implications it may well be one that Arsenal have to pull out of.
Edu Gaspar already walked away from a deal for Raphinha, refusing to go any higher than the £55m offered originally.