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Wolverhampton Wanderers starlet Pedro Neto has been mooted as a potential Arsenal transfer target over the last 18 months. The Portugal international, who is still only 23 years old, has established himself as one of the Premier League's most talented young wingers in the last few years.
Neto has started the 2023/24 campaign extremely well under Gary O'Neil's stewardship with one goal and four assists in his opening seven appearances within the top flight of English football. That kind of form hasn't gone unnoticed either, with plenty of clubs said to be keen on a potential transfer in January.
So, football.london brings you everything that has been reported on the Gunners' interest in the former Braga wide-man.
Injury twist
There has been a huge injury twist in the case of Pedro Neto as the winger went to ground clutching his right hamstring in Wolves' clash with Newcastle. The Portuguese star had to be stretchered off, continuing his streak of injury concerns and putting a huge doubt into a January exit.
Neto admission
Wolves winger Pedro Neto has admitted that he wants to stay at Wolves amid links with a potential move to Arsenal in the January transfer window. "I want to say that I am here and I will help everyone,” he told the Telegraph. "I love the club and everybody here, I have always felt that it has given a lot to me.
"I’m enjoying the moment here so I will continue to do that. The future and long-term ambitions don’t matter. We will never go down in any situation, we are here to win and fight. I feel really good at the moment and hope to continue."
Latest development
Arsenal are still tracking Neto, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: "Things are going to happen in 2024 with Pedro Neto.
"Wolves were able to say no to proposals in the summer, but between January and summer, let’s see what happens. We will see what happens. In 2024 clubs will arrive.
"Arsenal wanted Neto a year and a half ago, and they keep tracking the player, they are keeping an eye on Neto, but there are other clubs following the situation. There is interest, things can happen, clubs know he is very good and probably underrated.
"Keep an eye on Neto because at the moment nothing is concrete, but Arsenal interest is there and other clubs are following this fantastic Portuguese winger."
It remains to be seen exactly how much Wolves value Neto, with talksport reporting a little over a year ago that they valued him at £50million.
Arsenal 'monitoring' Wolves star
According to The Mirror, Arsenal 'retain' an interest in Neto but his current form for Wolves could complicate a move for the player in January as O'Neil's side look to hold on to one of their best players to guarantee survival within the Premier League.
The Gunners are thought to be long-standing admirers of the winger, and could look to revisit a deal for the self-confessed Arsenal supporter in 2024.
Neto had reportedly been the subject of a transfer enquiry during the summer transfer window, which was quickly knocked back by the West Midlands side after already losing the likes of Raul Jimenez and Daniel Podence prior to the beginning of the season.
Arsenal had previously shown an interest in the player in 2022, however the asking price from Wolves is said to have priced Arteta's side out of a move. Neto signed a long-term extension at Molineux keeping him at the club, meaning if Arsenal are to recruit in the absence of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard due to injuries, they will likely have to pay a substantial fee to secure Neto.
Unnamed club track Neto
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Arsenal's interest in the player, but has also stated they will face stiff competition from a number of 'unnamed' clubs in the race to secure the Portuguese international's signature. “He’s a Wolves player and we need to respect that and to allow them to enjoy this incredible talent, but, at the same time, there is the feeling that in 2024 we will see important clubs coming in for Neto,” said Romano in his Daily Briefing.
“There’s no clarity at all on price tag now, also because in the summer for Wolves it was not even a topic to sell Pedro Neto, he was untouchable.
“Arsenal have been tracking the player, they know the player very well, and they wanted him last year, but there are also other clubs keeping an eye on the situation.
“Many clubs are considering Neto as a target and they know he’s a very good player, though I can’t name these clubs as of now. But as I said, in 2024 Neto’s situation could be one to watch.”
Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with a move for the player in the past, as the race to sign Neto begins to heat up.
O'Neil impressed with Neto
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil will be desperate to keep hold of his star man for the remainder of the season, and many more to follow, with Neto being singled out as one of the standout performers during the recent 2-1 win against Manchester City.
“Neto has been incredible,” O'Neil said, before explaining why he was so good. “His energy , his work-rate, his intelligence.”
Scouts in attendance and local rivals join race
According to 90min, Arsenal sent scouts to watch Neto in action against Pep Guardiola's side during the recent 2-1 victory at Molineux.
Neto was instrumental in the win, as his dazzling run past several City defenders prompted the opening goal after his cross deflected in off his international teammate, Ruben Dias.
However, Arsenal are not the only team to be monitoring Neto's progress in the Midlands, with Wolves' local rivals Aston Villa also credited with an interest in the player.
Elsewhere, La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and the financial powerhouses of the Saudi Pro League are also keen to make a move for Neto, as the list of suitors continues to grow with his current showings in the Premier League.
