Arsenal’s route to signing Pedro Neto opens up following the completion of a £12.7 million deal.
Transfer windows often turn into a strategic game of bluff between clubs, as they wait to see which side will make the first move.
It’s not surprising, then, that it has taken this long for a pathway to emerge for Arsenal’s attempt to bring Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal has long admired the 24-year-old, and it’s easy to see why.
Neto’s direct style of play resembles Bukayo Saka’s. He is unafraid to take on opponents and use his speed to beat them.
While Neto’s three goals and 11 assists in 24 appearances might seem modest, you’d struggle to find a Wolves fan who wouldn’t be disappointed by his departure. Moreover, his assist for Portugal’s winning goal shortly after coming onto the pitch highlights his importance not just to his club, but also to his national team.
With Wolverhampton struggling under Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints like many clubs of similar stature, there is definitely a deal to be made for Arsenal. Wolves seem to have already lined up a replacement for Neto, signing Rodrigo Gomes from Braga for £12.7 million.
Gomes has signed a multi-year deal, indicating that Gary O’Neil has identified him as Neto’s long-term successor. Arsenal has also benefited from missing out on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian striker would have cost around £55 million, but his decision to remain in Germany allows Arsenal to potentially allocate some of those funds towards signing Neto. Although Arsenal can’t use the entire £55 million, as they still need to sign a center-forward this summer, a portion of that budget could be redirected to help facilitate Neto’s transfer.
With any luck, Wolves will be more open to negotiating with Arsenal, knowing they already have a replacement in their squad ready to step in when Neto leaves.