Arsenal have been rejected by Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as he looks for a move to Camp Nou this summer, having already said his goodbyes at Molineux.
The Portuguese midfielder has long been linked with a move away from the midlands, and with one year left on his contract he will be allowed to depart for a fee of around £45m ahead of the new campaign.
Neves himself refused to be drawn on a specific club, but it is clear that he will not be a Wolves player beyond this summer by choice, admitting that he wants to play in the Champions League next season.
“Nothing has happened yet but it’s a hard decision to make because I love it here, me and family feel at home”, he explained.
“Let’s see what’s going to happen. I always say the same thing, I truly love to be here. But I never hide that I want to play Champions League football,”
Thank you Ruben Neves 🥹🖤💛🐺#wwfc pic.twitter.com/sD2S9vulx9
— Nathan Judah (@NathanJudah) May 20, 2023
Arsenal have reportedly held a longstanding interest in the 26-year-old, and are set to invest heavily in their midfield this summer, with Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount all thought to be among the club’s top targets.
It is unclear whether Barcelona will be able to stump up the transfer fee, and it may depend on outgoings as they look to replace Sergio Busquets this summer, but Neves is thought to have agreed personal terms should they wish to make a deal happen, with a four year contract on the table.
Should they be unable to however, it is added that Neves would ‘seriously value’ Arsenal’s bid, meaning that the midfield star could yet find his way to north London before the new season kicks off.
