Arsenal's 9 transfer targets before January deadline

Arsenal’s 9 transfer targets before January deadline – list

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 23, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

4 of 9

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 11: Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium on December 11, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

4. Ruben Neves – Wolves

Age: 24
Contract expiry: 2024
Rumoured fee: £40m

Remember him? Back in the summer when it wasn’t known what Arsenal’s ambitions were for their midfield, or indeed if Granit Xhaka would be at the club, Ruben Neves’ name was an interesting one to crop up.

One of the Gunners’ long-term targets, Neves was seen as a replacement for Xhaka prior to that bubble being burst far too quickly, and an outstanding season for Wolves has kept Arsenal admiring the deep-lying midfielder.

Across Europe you will struggle to find more adept long-range distribution. Neves’ diagonals, switches of play and general accuracy and range are a joy to behold. He’s neat under pressure, comfortable in a midfield two and has a fine shot on him from anywhere on the pitch.

With Xhaka signing a new contract extension in the previous summer it’s hard to see how the team would look with Neves if the Swiss stayed, as despite the lure of playing for Arsenal, the lure of playing every week will be in the forefront of his mind.

Standalone verdict: As a Xhaka replacement, quite possibly. Has Premier League experience too.

Continued on next page…

Home/Arsenal News