Arsenal 'alerted' as long-time Arteta target made available

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Nov 2023 15:25 GMT
3 min read

Arsenal have been alerted to the potential availability of Ruben Neves, according to a report.

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The Portuguese star headed to the Saudi Pro League at the peak of his powers in a controversial €55 million move over the summer, but he could be on his way back to Europe. Perhaps more controversial than his initial transfer are recent reports linking the 26-year-old with a loan to Saudi-owned Newcastle.

Indeed, later this month, the Premier League is set to vote on a ban on loans between associated parties in a bid to prevent exactly these types of deals, which has forced Newcastle to look elsewhere for a replacement for banned summer arrival Sandro Tonali. Nevertheless, Neves could yet make his return to the Premier League in January.

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According to 90min, Neves is 'keen' to return and Arsenal have been 'alerted' to his potential availability as Thomas Partey's future is up in the air given his incessant injury issues. Neves, it is claimed, could be made available for a loan and he is among a host of potential options the Gunners are looking at as a midfield reinforcement.

Romano pumps the breaks

Fabrizio Romano, however, has made it clear that, at this stage, there is nothing concrete to the Gunners' supposed interest in Neves, though he did acknowledge that Mikel Arteta is a long-time admirer of the midfielder.

“Elsewhere with Arsenal," the transfer expert told CaughtOffside, "we’re seeing some surprise links with a loan move for Ruben Neves at Al Hilal. He’s mainly been linked with Newcastle, who appreciate the player, but there is also historical interest from Mikel Arteta – he has always liked Neves, but there are no negotiations at the moment.”

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Neves has thus far featured in 17 games for Al-Hilal, recording an underwhelming two goals and an assist for the table-topping Riyadh giants.