Pedro Neto is tempted by a move to Arsenal, but Wolves manager Bruno Lage says they’re yet to receive any direct contact from the Gunners.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on August 06, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND: Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on August 06, 2022. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that Pedro Neto is “tempted” by a move to Arsenal, following links between the Gunners and the Wolves winger in recent days.

Speaking after Wolves’ most recent fixture on Tuesday, manager Bruno Lage gave his assessment of the situation.

“I heard about that but nothing has come to us,” Lage said. “It’s normal, now, especially with the good players we have, the good teams are looking for players in the same way as we are looking for players like (summer signings) Guedes, Matheus, Collins.”

On Monday morning, David Ornstein broke the news that Neto is Arsenal’s transfer priority for the remainder of the summer window, with the Gunners’ interest concrete and unanimous.

Yet further reports have suggested the Gunners may not be able to afford the deal.

The Telegraph and The Times claim Neto could prove to be too expensive this summer. With a contract until 2027 at a club that don’t want to sell, the winger is evidently not available in a cut-price deal.

Wolves reportedly value Neto between £50m-60m, so Arsenal would need to sell first, or structure the deal in a way that could help them afford it.

LEEDS, ENGLAND: Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers watches the ball during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on August 06, 2022. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND: Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers watches the ball during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on August 06, 2022. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano wrote last week for CaughtOffside that although there was no deal advanced for Neto yet, Wolves were planning to evaluate his future amid links to Arsenal and Chelsea, adding that it “could be an interesting one in the final days”.

One advantage Arsenal have is the fact the player was a boyhood fan of the club, naming the Gunners as his favourite team in England.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar may be relying on Neto to help push a transfer through in the final eight days of the window.