Arsenal line up Pedro Neto transfer alternative

Suraj Radia

Updated: 23 Aug 2022 21:40 BST
3 min read

Who is Moussa Diaby? The Leverkusen star linked with Man Utd and Real Madrid — © ProShots

Arsenal have identified Pedro Neto as their priority target for the remainder of the transfer window but they could be priced out of a move for the winger.

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The Gunners have been in talks with Wolves for Neto for most of the summer but the club have one eye on financial fair play regulations, after spending more than £100 million so far this window.

Wolves are believed to be unwilling to sell Neto this summer after he signed a new five-year deal in March but their resolve could be tested with a £50m bid.

Arsenal will not sanction any moves that aren't financially prudent as well as an improvement on their first team, and they have made a list of alternatives should their pursuit of Neto fail.

One of the names on their list is Moussa Diaby and Bayer Leverkusen had quoted a €60m asking price to Newcastle earlier in the summer.

However, the French winger had previously said he would be remaining with Leverkusen this season and the club are also looking to offer him a new deal.

The player is still admired by Arsenal though and a move could be explored closer to deadline day despite Leverkusen considering him untouchable.

Outgoings before incomings at Arsenal

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is still keen to strengthen his squad despite their 100% start to the season that sees them top the Premier League table after three games.

Outgoings are reportedly the focus for Arsenal, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Hector Bellerin and Nicolas Pepe all being linked with exits.

🚨🚨 Arsenal’s priority is Pedro Neto, not easy. Arteta is a BIG fan & Edu has been working on this for a long time.

Other targets include Diaby but he is considered unsellable & Yeremi Pino but no direct negotiation yet.

Focus is still on Neto for now.

[@FabrizioRomano]
— Link Up Arsenal (@LinkUpArsenal) August 23, 2022

Bellerin is hoping for a return to La Liga after a successful loan spell with Real Betis last season and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest.

Maitland-Niles is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs including West Ham, while any big money signing for Arsenal would require Nicolas Pepe to leave the club, with the record signing in talks with Nice over a loan move.