Man Utd and Arsenal to rival Barcelona for Wolves' Ruben Neves
The midfielder has a contract until 2024 but is likely to move earlier
Rúben Neves has been on the table as a possible signing for Barcelona for months. The Blaugrana ruled out signing him in the summer by prioritising other operations but they have another window in January, although things could become complicated. 'The Sun' reports that both Arsenal and Manchester United are going to enter the bidding for the Portuguese midfielder, which could make his price more expensive.
Neves is considered one of the options to replace Sergio Busquets from January onwards. He has international experience and is a good age to take the next leap in his career, but the coaching staff at Barça are not clear that he is the ideal player for the role. The club, though, have held regular tasks with his agent Jorge Mendes. Everything is up in the air, though, because they are also looking at other players.
Neves decided not to leave Wolverhampton in the summer to wait for Barça. Both he and his agent were aware that his departure was complicated by being valued at around €60 million, a figure that will now be lowered because his contract ends in 2024. The player is aware of the doubts and this time he might not wait for the Catalan club if he receives other interesting offers.
At Barça, the profile of the player who should come as a pivot is being debated a lot and it is clear that any investment will go on this position, which is considered strategic due to the importance that Busquets has had in Barça's game during the last decade.
