Arsenal ‘begin Ruben Neves transfer talks with Wolves as Mikel Arteta searches for Rome-bound Granit Xhaka replacement’
ARSENAL have reportedly started talks with Wolves over signing Ruben Neves.
Mikel Arteta wants to bring the Portuguese in as a replacement for Roma-bound Granit Xhaka.
The North Londoners are said to be willing to offer the 24-year-old a five-year deal.
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move to sign the ex-Porto skipper last month.
He could be the replacement for Xhaka with the Swiss international closing in on a move to join Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Arsenal are already in talks with Wolves about finding an agreement for Neves, according to Record.
It is understood that Wolves will only part ways with Neves should a potential suitor stump up £35million.
Neves, who has been an almost ever-present player in Wolves’ starting XI since joining in 2017, is tied down at Molineux until 2023.
In the last four years, he has missed just nine league games for the Midlands outfit.
He banged in five goals in the 2020-21 campaign from his 36 top-flight outings, while also registering two assists.
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Neves could be the ideal replacement to Xhaka who is a target of Roma.
The 28-year-old impressed for the Swiss at Euro 2020, picking up the Star of the Match award for his performance in his country’s famous win against France.
Xhaka has reportedly agreed terms with Roma ahead of a potential move but the Italian side are struggling to meet the Gunners’ asking price.
Mourinho’s new club are understood to have offered €12million plus €3m in add-ons for the player – around £13m in total.
But Arsenal are believed to have rejected Roma’s advances and want at least €20m in cash – around £17m – and the price could increase following Xhaka’s European exploits and Juve’s reported interest.
The Premier League side paid a reported £30m for Xhaka five years ago.
Rumours suggest the midfielder won’t wait for Roma to meet Arsenal’s valuation, giving Juventus the chance to make a move.
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