Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, who had been on the radar of Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, is reportedly heading to Barcelona.

Arsenal transfers - Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves reacts after suffering an injury during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on March 18, 2022. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves reacts after suffering an injury during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on March 18, 2022. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)

The Wolves star, according to Sport, has agreed to a four-year deal with the Catalan club, rejecting the prospect of joining Arsenal in the process.

  • Ruben Neves, previously linked with Arsenal, agrees to a four-year deal with Barcelona.
  • The potential transfer deal involves a part-exchange with Ansu Fati.
  • This unexpected move could influence Arsenal’s future transfer strategies.

This comes as a surprise, given that Neves has been consistently linked with Arsenal during the previous transfer windows.

The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for Wolves, with an impressive tally of 30 goals and 13 assists in 251 appearances.

His potential move to Barcelona presents an intriguing twist in the upcoming summer transfer window and might prompt Arsenal to reassess their midfield targets.

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Arsenal transfers - LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on March 13, 2022. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on March 13, 2022. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Neves’s transfer involves a complex part-exchange deal.

The arrangement, negotiated by Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes, includes Wolves paying £26million and the player’s transition to Barcelona in exchange for Ansu Fati, the 20-year-old Barcelona forward.

Nevertheless, Fati is yet to green-light the deal which seems like quite a few part of all this.

While Neves’ transfer saga unfolds, Arsenal must shift gears to adjust their transfer strategy.

The Gunners were known to be keen on signing Neves as they look to strengthen their midfield. But with the player now heading towards Barcelona, the North London club will have to explore other potential candidates. Thankfully, there seem to be many.

Arsenal transfers - Barcelona's Spanish forward Ansu Fati looks on during the Spanish League football match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at the Montilivi stadium in Girona on January 28, 2023. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP) (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona’s Spanish forward Ansu Fati looks on during the Spanish League football match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at the Montilivi stadium in Girona on January 28, 2023. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP) (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Neves joined Wolves from Porto in 2017 when they were still in the Championship. His influential performances were pivotal in securing promotion for them in his first season.

His growth at the club has been significant, but with his contract ending next season, his departure seems inevitable.

Neves’ decision to bypass Arsenal for Barcelona underlines the magnetic appeal of playing at Nou Camp.

Yet, for Arsenal, it’s an opportunity missed in their quest to reinforce their squad.

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