Paul Pobga could play a crucial role in helping Arsenal to sign Ruben Neves at the end of the season. But this can only be done if the Frenchman chooses to join Barcelona.
According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Neves is extremely interested in joining Barcelona at the end of the season. The Wolves midfielder is also a target for Manchester United and Arsenal.
This comes after reports from the Telegraph that the Catalan side are also interested in signing Pogba. With AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie already on his way to Barcelona in the summer, it is unlikely that the La Liga side will opt to sign both Pogba and Neves, which means if the Frenchman eventually joins Barcelona, Arsenal will have the perfect opportunity to snatch Neves.
Arsenal would still have to compete with Manchester United for the Portuguese international’s signature, but Edu can potentially blow the Red Devils out of the water with the promise of Champions League football. The Gunners’ victory over United in the previous Premier League fixture gave Mikel Arteta’s side the advantage in the race to finish in the top-four, as Arsenal sit two points clear in the targeted position.
This will mean that Thomas Partey would be the only experienced midfielder in the team. Mohamed Elneny’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and Albert Sambi Lokonga still needs time to mature.
Neves would be the perfect solution to Arsenal’s lack of midfield options, as he is a composed midfielder who handles the basics excellently. He has plenty of Premier League experience and has shown that he is capable of competing with the best clubs in the land, and would certainly improve the Arsenal midfield.
At the end of the season, the midfielder’s contract will only have two years remaining, and Wolves will have to decide whether to sell him to prevent losing him for a cut-price in the following year, due to his expiring deal. Arsenal could certainly exploit his current contract situation by persuading him with Champions League football ahead of next season.
But with Barcelona seemingly being Neves’ preference, it means that Pogba could have a major role on Arsenal’s pursuit for the Portuguese international. He would be an ideal signing for the Gunners and it is a deal Edu should certainly pursue if he has the opportunity to do so.
