The Premier League title race is heating up, with Arsenal currently neck and neck with Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table. Mikel Arteta’s side are fully focused on bringing the trophy back to North London, but behind the scenes the club’s recruitment team are also preparing for a crucial summer transfer window.
Whilst signing a midfielder to replace Thomas Partey and finally solving their striker conundrum are likely priorities, Arsenal could also look to strengthen out wide. According to recent reports, the Gunners are ready to take advantage of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ financial troubles to finally land Portuguese winger Pedro Neto, a player they have admired for some time.
Wolves Forced to Sell Due to FFP Constraints
After some lavish spending in recent seasons, Wolves are now facing Financial Fair Play problems and need to balance the books. Football Insider reports that the Midlands club will likely have to sell players in order to raise funds for new signings this summer.
Pedro Neto has emerged as one of their most valuable assets, with the club likely to demand around £60 million for the 23-year-old. While this is a hefty fee, Arsenal may see it as a price worth paying for a player who has really come into his own over the past year.
Neto Back to His Brilliant Best
The 2022/23 season has seen Neto get back to his best after two frustrating years disrupted by serious injury problems. Now fully fit, the skillful winger has been a key player in Wolves’ push for European qualification, scoring two goals and providing eight assists in 21 Premier League appearances so far.
His dribbling ability, close control in tight spaces, and vision to pick out teammates make Neto a real handful for defenders. Arsenal legend David Seaman has described the Portuguese international as a “special player”, high praise indeed.
Ideal Competition for Martinelli
Neto seems like the ideal type of signing to provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli on Arsenal’s left flank. Martinelli has had a great season, but at just 21 years old would surely benefit from having someone like Neto to push him for a starting spot.
Looking at their stats this season, the two players have fairly comparable numbers in terms of ball recoveries, successful dribbles and goal involvements. Neto creates more chances, while Martinelli attempts more progressive ball carries.
There is little doubt that Neto has the talent to thrive in a top side like Arsenal and would raise the level of performance on the left wing. His Premier League experience at a young age also means he could slot straight into Arteta’s team with minimal disruption.
A Statement of Intent
Landing Neto would be a real statement of intent from Arsenal ahead of what could be a new era of competing for major honors again. The Gunners are hoping to lure elite talents by offering Champions League football and an upwardly mobile project under Arteta.
Wolves’ financial constraints mean that this summer could finally present Arsenal with the ideal opportunity to sign a player they have long admired. Neto has star potential and would add an extra dimension to an already dangerous attacking unit.
Securing the Premier League title would put Arsenal in a strong position to attract top targets like Neto when the transfer window opens. The Gunners will likely face stiff competition for his signature, but their need for a left-sided attacker could see them push hard to take advantage of Wolves’ dilemma.
