According to a recent report, Arsenal has now positioned itself in the race to sign a very highly-rated player on the continent.
The North Londoners are on the verge of completing their first signing of the summer in Riccardo Calafiori.
The Bologna defender starred at Euro 2024 and evidently, Mikel Arteta was impressed with his performances.
That deal is expected to go through over the next 48 hours and once completed, The Gunners could approach to sign a sought-after midfielder.
Arsenal want to sign Joao Neves
According to O Jogo, via The Standard, Arsenal have just joined the race to sign Benfica’s Joao Neves, who is considered ‘one of the best’ midfielders in the world.
Manchester United are keen to the 19-year-old to their ranks this summer but now faces competition from Arteta’s side.
Liverpool are also now contending for his signature – which is expected to cost his full £84m release clause.
The teenage wonderkid made his senior debut for Portugal last September and appeared twice at the European Championships in Germany.
Arsenal unlikely to sign Joao Neves
The signing of Neves seems highly unlikely this summer.
Arsenal have already deemed Victor Osimhen as too expensive so funds are going to be
fairly limited after their big expenditure last year, namely on Declan Rice who cost north of £100m.
The priority signing will surely be a number nine as they continue to be linked with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Perhaps if they can convince Benfica to reduce their asking price closer to £60m then a deal may become feasible.
But at this stage, they’re set to be outpriced and will have to quickly move on to other targets within their price range.
Mikel Merino, who is currently away with Spain at Euro 2024, has been heavily linked.