The Gunners have made great progress in the past few years and took the Premier League title battle to the final day of the 2023/24 season.
However, Arsenal fell just short in the league for the second year in a row, so they’ll be eager to bolster their ranks to ensure they can go all the way next year.
The Gunners are likely to bolster their midfield ranks amid uncertain futures for the likes of Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have been scouting one of Europe’s most highly sought after midfielders for months now.
The player in question is Benfica star Joao Neves, who looks set for a big move amid interest from many big clubs.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about Arsenal target Joao Neves?
Romano has claimed on X that Gunners scouts have been keeping tabs on Neves for months, but they’re far from alone in pursuit of the 19-year-old.
As well as Arsenal, the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United have also been monitoring Neves, added the transfer insider.
However, Benfica have reportedly made their stance clear, and won’t entertain any offers short of his €120million (£102million) release clause.
The Portuguese giants hope to keep Neves at the club, added Romano.
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Who is Arsenal target Joao Neves?
Joao Neves has come through the ranks at Benfica to become one of the club’s key players at just 19 years of age.
Neves broke into the Benfica first-team in 2023 and has made 75 appearances for his club. He has also won five caps for Portugal and is in the squad for Euro 2024.
The Arsenal target has been praised by Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who deemed him “excellent” and ready for Premier League football.
Meanwhile, Transfermarkt’s Marcel de Almeida told the stats website in late 2023: “Already at his young age, Joao Neves is very mature in his playing style.
“He is always available in the centre of midfield and ready to pass forward to his teammates. He has a wide range of passing and is very intelligent.
“His performances have led to him being called up for the national team, where he has already made his debut and impressed.
“At Benfica he is always one of the best, and in his current form, he is one of the top three players in Liga Portugal.
“His market values will continue to increase. If things continue like this, Benfica will not be able to keep him for much longer, as there is already interest from Manchester United, among others.
“He will therefore be one of Benfica’s next big sales and will likely generate another high transfer fee for the club.”
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