Arsenal get clear transfer answer as Mikel Arteta eyes Bukayo Saka alternative | Football | Sport
Arsenal get clear transfer answer as Mikel Arteta eyes Bukayo Saka alternative | Football | Sport
Arsenal could benefit from snubbing a move for Pedro Neto this summer in spite of Mikel Arteta‘s reported long-term interest in the Wolves man. Neto is thought to have been identified as a potential alternative for Bukayo Saka, with Arsenal said to be keen on signing a new winger to ease the burden on their star man as well as Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners were initially linked with Neto in the summer of 2022 after missing out on a move for Raphinha, who left Leeds United to join Barcelona in the same window. However, nothing materialised and Neto ended up staying at Wolves, where he remains tied down for another three years.
Arsenal are thought to have revived their interest in Neto ahead of next season, with Tottenham also said to be eyeing up a move for the 24-year-old. There is little doubt that Neto is a top player, having been among Wolves’ best performers in recent years, but it seems that Arsenal could reap the rewards of pursuing other targets.
The primary objective for Arsenal in signing a new winger would be to recruit a capable back-up for Saka, who could do with more rest time after being overworked for the last five years. Neto clearly has enough ability to deputise for Saka but his injury record suggests that he cannot be relied upon by the Gunners.
Neto made just 18 league appearances last season, with a long-term ankle injury putting him out of action for much of the campaign. He went on to suffer a recurrence of a hamstring issue back in October, which kept him on the treatment table for a number of games.
The Portugal international finally returned to action in December but it did not take long for another injury blow to put him back on the sidelines. Wolves boss Gary O’Neil confirmed last weekend that Neto had suffered a problem with his other hamstring, which is likely to keep him out of contention until the end of the season.
« Pedro, it’s potentially the end of the season for him, » said O’Neil. « Very similar to the injury he suffered on the other side. There’s a chance he gets back for the last couple of games if it goes really well. »
It remains to be seen if Neto’s pre-season preparations will be affected by his latest injury blow, which could ultimately ruin any hopes of a summer move to Arsenal. The former Lazio man is thought to be valued at around £60million by Wolves and it seems clear that Arsenal would be better off spending that amount of money on a more reliable option.
Cet article est apparu en premier en ANGLAIS sur https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1878943/Arsenal-transfer-news-Mikel-Arteta-Bukayo-Saka