Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto has emerged has possible option for Arsenal, who are looking to add more signings before the transfer market’s deadline day. The Gunners’ manage Mikel Arteta has demanded one or two more signings to the club as he aims to achieve a solid depth for his squad. Neto fits the Spaniard’s system at Emirates and hence has been touted as a potential incoming in the next few days.
However, Arsenal first need to sell in order to facilitate the acquisition of Pedro Neto. While the Gunners have excelled in the recruitment this summer, they have been unable to offload their fringe players at the same pace. They are now looking to get rid of their record signing Nicolas Pepe, before making an official move for Neto. In the same vein, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson, Hector Bellerin are all needed to move out before going for new players.
Arsenal in talks with Pedro Neto’s super-agent Jorge Mendes since one month
While it may seem Pedro Neto has made the wish-list of the Gunners out of the blue, they have been in contact with his agent Jorge Mendes for over a month now, according to The Athletic. The super agent who also handles the business for players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Darwin Nunez is ready to broker a deal for Neto after Arsenal’s approach.
Neto has been plying his trade in the Premier League since 2019, after joining Wolves from Italian side Lazio. He has so far featured in 95 games for the English club, scoring 11 goals and collecting 12 assists. A left-footed winger, the 22-year-old can play on both the flanks despite being a natural right wing.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly super impressed with Neto and wants him to be a part of his exciting project at the club. However, they first need to sell Nicolas Pepe a player of same profile as Neto who has failed to establish his himself in the physically demanding Premier League after joining from Lille for £72 million in 2019.
The North Londoners are currently in talks with Ligue 1 side OGC Nice as they plan to send Pepe back to France on loan. A potential deal would then open gates for Pedro Neto to sign for the Gunners. On the other hand, Wolves do not want to sell their youngster who has performed so well for them.
Moreover, they have just locked him down to a long-term contract which runs till the summer of 2027. But there’s some hope for Arsenal to land him this summer, only if they table a fee in the excess of £50 million in front of Wolves, per multiple reports. However, the hefty price tag could force the Gunners to backout of a move as is understood for now.
Arsenal have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season winning three out of their first three league games, while Wolves are yet to win any of their three outings with Pedro Neto starting each of them. Arteta is now hoping to add a cherry on top of the cake by bringing in more signings as the Portuguese is on Arsenal’s radar to reinforce their already strong team.