Romano: Arsenal set for huge transfer battle for 23-years-old outstanding wolves key man as target ‘loved’ by the club tipped to move in 2024

At the conclusion of the season, Arsenal might see one of their top targets snatched from under their noses.
Wolves forward Pedro Neto is expected to draw a lot of interest at the conclusion of the season, with Arsenal among those interested in signing him. The Gunners have long admired the winger, but they are unlikely to be the only club interested in signing him.

Arsenal refrained from bolstering their attacking ranks over the summer, with Kai Havertz signed from Chelsea to provide an alternative option in midfield rather than in the final third. Mikel Arteta was expected to demand at least one attacking option before the 2023/24 campaign, with a striker also high on the shortlist of signings required, but the club remained faithful to those already on their books.

However, that stance is likely to change over the next 12 months, with several opportunities likely to present themselves to Arsenal. Among those is the chance to sign Neto from Wolves, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Portugal international has been labelled as ‘one to keep an eye on’ following his impressive start to the campaign, and there is a ‘feeling’ that several top clubs will arrive with offers for the 23-year-old at the end of the season, regardless of where Wolves finish in the table.

Since the summer of 2022, Arsenal has been following Neto’s status, and he is still ‘respected’ by important figures at the Emirates Stadium. If Wolves are willing to let the forward go, the Gunners may be tempted to make their long-term interest more definite by delaying a bid.

Neto has one goal and four assists in seven Premier League appearances this season, but his stats don’t properly reflect his role at Molineux and how important he is in their opportunity generation and overall attacking threat.

Neto is worth about £24.5 million according to Transfermarkt, but Wolves will believe that their No 7 is worth much more given how highly regarded he is by people at the club. The Portugal international also has a contract with the club that expires in 2027, so there is no immediate urgency to part ways with him because his value will not degrade.

Due to their low transfer budget and difficult Financial Fair Play position, Wolves were unable to spend the cash over the summer. As a result, a major bid for Neto will place faith in Gary O’Neil’s commitment, knowing that an influx of capital could free them from their financial constraints.