Arsenal could choose to revive their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Pedro Neto as boss Mikel Arteta is still desperate to breathe new life into his attack despite suffering the blow of being unable to lure Benjamin Sesko to the Emirates Stadium.
The RB Leipzig striker chose to pen a new contract at Red Bull Arena last week – ending speculation over a potential summer move to the Premier League after gaining interest from the Gunners, Chelsea, and Manchester United – and that has forced the north Londoners to move onto alternative targets.
Having narrowly missed out on ending Arsenal’s wait for another Premier League crown, having seen Manchester City pip them to the post on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign and clinch a record-breaking fourth title on the spin, Arteta has been in discussions with sporting director Edu over potential acquisitions.
Gunners Contemplating Fresh Attempt to Land Neto
Arteta targeting Wolves talisman after Sesko setback
Arsenal may reignite their pursuit of Neto after being on their radar for a significant period, according to GMS sources, and there is a belief among Wolves insiders that a deal could be struck in the coming weeks as the winger has been pinpointed as their expected big-money departure of the summer.
The Gunners are planning to make moves in July, with Euro 2024 scuppering their chances of conducting early business involving several potential arrivals, and there is a feeling that Kai Havertz will start the season as their first-choice option to lead the attack after Sesko snubbed a potential move to the capital.
GMS sources have been informed that Arteta could look to draft in a different type of attacker after being foiled in his attempts to secure an out-and-out striker, and Neto would provide the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard with stiff competition for a regular starting berth if he heads to Arsenal after being described as ‘incredible’ by Wolves boss Gary O’Neil.
| Pedro Neto’s statistical averages per 90 minutes during the 2023/24 campaign compared to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Neto | Gabriel Martinelli | Leandro Trossard | |
| Crosses | 6.85 | 4.87 | 3.11 |
| Shot-creating actions | 4.46 | 4.11 | 3.55 |
| Key passes | 2.26 | 2.05 | 1.31 |
| Passes into the penalty area | 1.73 | 1.47 | 1.58 |
| Assists | 0.54 | 0.18 | 0.05 |
| Goals | 0.12 | 0.27 | 0.66 |
| Statistics correct as of 18/06/2024 | |||
Although the Gunners consider Bukayo Saka to be their leading force on the right flank, Neto’s arrival would ease the burden on the England international after he has picked up several minor injuries in recent months, while he would also add greater strength in depth on the left wing and is capable of being deployed as a support forward.
Arsenal have looked at landing Athletic Bilbao talisman Nico Williams, but he seems to have his heart set on joining La Liga rivals Barcelona if he leaves his boyhood club, and his lofty wage demands have also led to Arteta turning his attentions elsewhere just a matter of days after the transfer window officially reopened.
But the north Londoners are aware that they will have to spend big to land Neto if they choose to go in that direction as Wolves have slapped a £60million price tag on the Portugal international after Manchester City and Newcastle United have also been circling for his signature.