Arsenal Transfers: Pedro Neto move now unlikely before summer deadline

Arsenal’s move for Pedro Neto is now looking unlikely before the summer transfer deadline with Wolves reluctant to sell their star winger.

Many are expecting the club to replace Nicolas Pepe before Thursday after the Ivorian joined Nice on loan. Reports broke last week of Neto being the club’s ‘priority target’ but little progress has been made in regards to striking a deal.

Alternative options such as Moussa Diaby and Wilfried Zaha have been tenuously linked by isolated outlets.

Arsenal’s move for Pedro Neto now unlikely before summer deadline

Fabrizio Romano has long been aware of Arsenal’s pursuit for a new winger, and that mystery figure was revealed to be Neto last Monday.

The 22-year-old is back in action after missing much of last season with a freakish knee injury, but his 2022/23 campaign is yet to ignite through four games as Wolves sit in the relegation zone. Neto, though, has already proven himself in the Premier League and he’s certainly a player that fits Mikel Arteta’s bill.

However, David Ornstein (via @afcstuff) is now reporting that a move for the Portuguese winger is ‘highly improbable’. Wolves do not want to sell Neto before the deadline and Arsenal believe that their current asking price is excessive.

Romano adds that Wolves want over £50m for the 22-year-old’s services.

This update is certainly one that Arsenal fans did not want to hear. It’s apparent that the club requires further reinforcements in a couple of key areas if they’re to compete on multiple fronts this season, and bringing in a Pepe replacement before the deadline is imperative. Otherwise, Bukayo Saka will be run into the ground once more.

Unless, of course, young Marquinhos proves his worth. The summer arrival from Brazil has started excellently in the Under-23s, but the club didn’t intend for the winger to play a notable role in the first team this season. However, he may well have to if no further signings are made.