Revealed: Wolves’ asking price for Man Utd and Arsenal target Neves
Robin Bairner
- 29 Apr 2022 17:38 BST
- 3 min read
Wolves are ready to fend off the advances of Manchester United and Arsenal, who are both reportedly targeting midfielder Ruben Neves.
The Portugal international, who has become noted in the Premier League for his ability to score from long-range, is primarily targeted by Man Utd for the summer, while there was some suggestion that the Gunners may launch a mid-season approach as they too seek to find a solution to a lack of depth in central midfield.
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How much will Wolves sell Ruben Neves for?
Wolves are in a strong bargaining position. There is no financial imperative for them to sell, while they could yet achieve European football for next year and are stable in their position in the top half of the Premier League.
Ruben Neves, meanwhile, has a contract that expires in 2024, so there is no time pressure on that front yet. However, it is worth noting that this summer will be the last in which they can demand the highest possible fee for the midfielder.
For that reason, manager Bruno Lage has placed a £100 million (€120m) price tag on Neves' head. Lage said: "I don't know if it's Man Utd or other teams, what I know is we have a special player here with us.
"What he is doing this season is very good. I think also the way we play, he can show a better Ruben, and also the way he plays puts our team on a different level.
“When you have that player, the best thing to do is improve his salary and years of contract.
“But who knows, when you have a top player like him in that specific position, that can defend and attack, and is a top professional and a great man, the big teams are there with £100 million to buy these kinds of players.”
Despite that huge fee placed on Neves. Lage does expect offers from Premier League clubs this summer. "We need to be aware of everything. We cannot lose a big opportunity. Anything can happen, not just with Ruben, and if we want to improve our squad we have to have players on our radar – the best guys at the best price.
"He’s an important player but, like I said, we need to wait for an offer and we need to wait to understand what will really happen.
“Something that is good for the club, good for the player, and then we will make a decision.
“If you ask me if I want to work with Ruben, yes. If you ask the player if he wants to work for me, for sure, he will say yes."
Both Man Utd and Arsenal are in the hunt for a new central midfielder, although the Old Trafford side seem the more urgent with links to Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, and many more, to go alongside their pursuit of Neves.
