Arsenal interested in signing Ruben Neves from Wolves this summer

Arsenal are interested in signing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves this summer.

The Athletic understands that Arsenal are admirers of the 24-year-old and could move to sign him from Wolves, where he has played since signing from Porto in 2017.

Portugal international Neves would fit in alongside Thomas Partey in Mikel Arteta’s midfield, although any Arsenal move is likely to be contingent on exits this summer. Granit Xhaka is among those who could depart, with Roma an interested party.

Contact has been made between the two clubs and Wolves are believed to be open to a sizeable sale as they look to reshape their squad this summer under prospective new boss Bruno Lage, who is set to be appointed in the coming days.

How would this impact Wolves’s transfer plans?

As The Athletic has previously reported, Wolves will have to sell big if they want to buy big this summer.

That means either Neves or Adama Traore were always likely to go in this window as they are their most saleable assets.

Raul Jimenez and Neto’s injuries mean they are less like to find suitors at this stage.

What has Neves achieved at Wolves?

Neves arrived at Wolves in the summer of 2017 and helped them earn promotion from the Championship in his first season. He hit six goals from midfield, including the division’s goal of the season.

He was Wolves’ player of the year that season and also finished as runner-up in the Championship player of the season award.

Neves has since helped the Midlands side establish themselves in the Premier League, making 35-plus appearances in all three of their top-flight campaigns.

He also featured in the Europa League for Wolves in the 2019-20 season as they reached the quarter-final stage.

Is he a regular for Portugal?

He’s become a regular in the squad, at least. Neves has been called up to the squad for Euro 2020.

Portugal have also handed him 20 caps since his senior debut in 2015.

(Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)