As the summer transfer season heats up, Ruben Neves, the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder, might find himself sporting an Arsenal shirt if his agent Jorge Mendes’ plans succeed.

Amidst all the speculation, one thing is certain – Neves’ aspiration is to play in the Champions League next season but it is unlikely to be at Arsenal unless other deals fall through.

• Ruben Neves aspires to play in the Champions League next season, pushing his agent, Jorge Mendes, to consider a possible transfer to Arsenal.
• Despite Jorge Mendes’ efforts, a proposed swap deal between Neves and Barcelona’s Ansu Fati hits roadblocks, intensifying the transfer tension.
• While Arsenal’s interest in Neves seems to have cooled, the club is keen on completing a deal for West Ham‘s midfielder Declan Rice.

Ruben Neves’ agent eyes Arsenal as potential transfer destination

Jorge Mendes, agent of Wolverhampton Wanderers‘ midfielder Ruben Neves, is reportedly eager to facilitate a transfer for his client.

With Neves’ aspirations of playing in the Champions League next season, Arsenal emerge as a possible destination.

Neves’ ambitions and Mendes’ manoeuvres

At 26, Neves seeks new challenges, expressing a keen desire to depart Wolves this summer.

His current contract with the Wolves runs until June 2024, providing a window of opportunity for a potential transfer.

With the aim of keeping Neves in the top tier of European football, Mendes has been exploring potential destinations, leading him back to Arsenal’s doorstep.

Barcelona swap deal hits roadblocks

Initially, Barcelona appeared a viable option, with Mendes proposing an ambitious plan for a swap deal between Neves and Barcelona’s young star Ansu Fati, another client of Mendes.

At one point, it was reported that this deal was ‘done’ and Neves had agreed a 4-year deal with the Catalan side.

However, this plan has stumbled due to several obstacles. Despite being unwanted at Barcelona by boss Xavi, Fati, 20, has shown no interest in trading Spain for the Midlands.

Furthermore, Barcelona’s financial constraints make it impossible to acquire Neves without an option for a player exchange.

Arsenal’s transfer plans complicate the scene

While Mendes is looking to ignite interest from previous potential suitors such as Arsenal, the Gunners have moved onto other targets.

Arsenal are close to completing a £100m plus add-ons deal for West Ham‘s midfielder Declan Rice, while Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is also being eyed.

These developments leave any potential Neves’ move to Arsenal unlikely.

Uncertainty and frustration loom

As negotiations linger, frustration grows for both Neves and Fati, whose futures remain unresolved.

Neves, in particular, is keen on continuing to prove his worth amongst Europe’s elite, ruling out a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

Having joined Wolves in 2017 under former coach Nuno Espirito Santo – now a manager in Saudi – and making over 250 appearances since, Neves looks forward to his next football adventure.

Whether this will lead him to Arsenal remains to be seen.