Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves, a player reportedly scouted extensively by Arsenal, has officially joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a substantial €59.92 million fee.

The 19-year-old prodigious talent, who rose through the ranks at Benfica‘s youth academy, has signed a five-year contract with the Parisian club.

Benfica's Joao Neves runs with the ball during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and GD Chaves at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on March 29, 2024. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Benfica’s Joao Neves runs with the ball during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and GD Chaves at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on March 29, 2024. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal had been monitoring Neves closely and were reportedly impressed with his performances for both Benfica and the Portuguese national team. However, the Gunners were seemingly deterred by the midfielder’s high price tag, which was initially rumoured to be in the region of his €120 million release clause although he eventually moved for half that.

Neves, who debuted for Benfica‘s first team in December 2022, quickly became a key player under coach Roger Schmidt. He contributed significantly to their 2023 Portuguese championship title win and even featured in the Champions League at the tender age of 18. His impressive display in Euro 2024 further solidified his status as a rising star in European football.