Transfer Rumors: Arsenal Steps Up Drive For Portuguese Midfielder

KEY POINTS

Arsenal now focuses on Ruben Neves after falling short in its Emi Buendia bid
Mikel Arteta is compelled to make a huge move this coming transfer window
The Gunners have already touched base with Wolverhampton for Neves

Arsenal now has Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton on its radar after getting the short end of the stick in its chase Emi Buendia.

Aware that they need to beef up the middle, the 24-year-old has emerged as the alternative for the Gunners as they try to provide Thomas Partey with much-needed help.

According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal has touched base with the Wanderers for a potential move involving the Portuguese footballer.

Neves looms as a perfect replacement for Buendia, who appears to be moving to Villa Park. However, the Gunners would need to fork out about £35 million this summer.

The deal would make sense for Wolverhampton if they intend to consider players in the summer transfer window, needing to sell some assets to have funds to spend.

The good thing about Neves is that he is only 24 years old and has plenty of room to improve.

Head coach Mikel Arteta knows that he needs to work on improving the middle, making the Portuguese a superb addition.

But right now, all this should be taken lightly. Until Arsenal officially announces a breakthrough in its talks with the Wanderers, there is no telling if the pursuit for Neves will gain ground.

Neves is one of three high-profile names that make sense for Arteta and company. With the imminent departure of players such as Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka, the Gunners need to skim the market to fill in the void.