Arsenal are reportedly chasing after FC Porto defensive midfielder Ruben Neves, who would provide cover for the injured Francis Coquelin. The Portuguese player would reportedly cost £12m up front with up to £10 in add-ons.
At 18-years-old, he would not only provide cover for Coquelin but additionally will be a staple for the team for many years in the future. He has already captained FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League, which is a great testament to his leadership, despite his tender age. With so much experience at such a young age, £10m could turn out to be a coup for Neves.
He would be an upgrade on the current second-string defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini and would compete with Coquelin for a first-team spot in defensive midfield, a position in which Arsenal supporters have not seen competition for in years.
With Krystian Bielik in the under-21 team, there is a great upside for a could-be stellar double-pivot with the Portugal youth international and Bielik in a few years, and Neves would provide a solid passing prowess going forward as well. He is different from Coquelin and could play alongside the Frenchman or with a more attacking central midfielder in the double pivot in the 4-2-3-1 that Arsene Wenger favours.
This would be similar to a classic Wenger signing, so there is some likelihood for it, but the Gunners would have to fight off interest from the likes of FC Barcelona and PSG in order to get their man. Additionally, Porto may think he is worth much more than just up to the £22m that Arsenal are reportedly wanting to pay.
