Manchester United’s interest in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves may have hampered Arsenal’s attempts to sign the 24-year-old, according to Eurosport‘s Dean Jones.
The journalist claims that the Portuguese international is waiting to see whether the Red Devils make their move before deciding on a switch to the Emirates:
“In terms of Neves, they have definitely tried that [Arsenal move]. Again, the player [is] not sure if that’s the right move for him at this stage, and with Manchester United also in view for him, he’d rather wait things out and see whether that can actually come to fruition.”
While United’s pursuit of Neves is likely to be complicating matters, it is hardly likely to be the main issue as Jones seems to be suggesting. The midfielder’s price tag is probably the major bone of contention.
Reports in the local media over the past week claim Wolves are holding out for £45m, rather than the £35m recently reported, and if that figure is accurate, it is entirely understandable why the Gunners have taken a step back.
With Granit Xhaka’s move to Roma having stalled as well, the need to sign Neves is not as urgent either so there are a number of factors in play here.
