Arsenal missed chance to sign £47m Barcelona target

Arsenal reportedly missed the opportunity to sign the former Wolves and Portuguese star Ruben Neves in last summer's transfer window. The 26-year-old left the Premier League last summer for a new adventure with Al-Hilal but it has recently been made clear that this was far from the only offers that came his way.

As reported on TDR Football, the Portuguese winger said: "I was close to three clubs and it ended up not happening, which saddened me and helped me make the decision to go to Al-Hilal.

“I didn’t want to mention names, but Barcelona was one of the hottest and it wasn’t a lie. It was close to happening, just like with Arsenal."

The reports also indicated that this was not the first time Neves and the Emirates had been linked. Back in 2016, the Portuguese defensive midfielder was linked with a move to North London with Arsene Wenger hoping to acquire the playmaker.

It was also indicated that current Emirates boss Mikel Arteta had been asking to secure Neves' services but the timing never worked out for either party with last summer's attempts also falling through.

Since heading to the Saudi Pro League, Neves has been exceptionally impressive for Al-Hilal. The 26-year-old has scored four goals already while also providing six assists in his 28 appearances so far this season.

This supposed interest in the former Wolves man could be an instigator for further moves this summer. Arsenal currently have Jorginho in place as their main playmaker with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice playing number eight roles.

However, if the Italian ex-Chelsea star were to become injured, Mikel Arteta would be somewhat stumped and while news has been circulating that the Gunners had been ready to bid for Amadou Onana, their could be a last minute swap to go after a man they have previously targeted.