Under the management of Spanish coach Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are said to be expressing significant interest in signing Rúben Neves from Al-Hilal, eyeing him as a possible replacement for Thomas Partey, whose future at the club is currently uncertain.

AL AHSAA, SAUDI ARABIA: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal victory celebrates after the Saudi Pro League match between Al Fateh and Al-Hilal at Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium on November 3, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
AL AHSAA, SAUDI ARABIA: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal victory celebrates after the Saudi Pro League match between Al Fateh and Al-Hilal at Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium on November 3, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Arsenal, under the guidance of Spanish coach Mikel Arteta, are said to be showing a strong interest in signing Rúben Neves, currently playing in Saudi Arabia, as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey.

This interest comes amid speculation that Partey may leave Arsenal in the upcoming winter transfer window, while Arsenal’s interest in Neves is longstanding.

Neves, formerly with Wolves, made a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in the summer, a decision prompted by a €55 million bid which was unmatched by other competitors.

Despite the three-year contract Neves signed with Al-Hilal, Arteta has reportedly been persistent in his interest in the Portuguese midfielder, viewing him as a key addition to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield.

The situation is complicated by Partey’s current thigh injury and the uncertainty surrounding his future at the Emirates.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Thomas Partey of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Thomas Partey of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal reportedly see Neves as the primary candidate to fill any potential void left by Partey’s departure. However, Arsenal is not the only club interested in Neves.

Newcastle United are also eyeing him as a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is currently suspended due to a betting scandal.

This ongoing interest in Neves comes amidst the Premier League’s pending decision on a ban on player loans to the Saudi Pro League, set to be voted on November 21.

This decision could significantly impact the relationships between clubs in both countries and may influence Neves’s potential return to European football.