The agent of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves is in regular contact with Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar over a summer move, The Sun reports.
The Gunners have a deal in place to sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, but they are searching for an experienced signing with the anticipated exit of Granit Xhaka.
The club are interested in signing Neves from Wolves, and super-agent Jorge Mendes is keeping close contact with Edu to push through his client’s transfer to the Gunners.
The reported £35 million valuation remains a stumbling block for the north London club, and they may have to sell Xhaka before affording a deal for Neves.
Xhaka is the subject of a £15m bid from Roma. Negotiations are continuing between the clubs, with the Gunners wanting close to £20m for the Swiss midfielder.
Sportslens view:
The Gunners have made just one signing in left Nuno Tavares from Benfica, and they are expected to announce Lokonga’s arrival after his quarantine.
They are in active talks with several other players. It is widely known that they are in negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion for centre-back Ben White.
Neves is another player that has been on their radar over the past month, and they have the opportunity to land him as he is no longer indispensable to Wolves.
The Midlands outfit have already made three signings, and they are looking to recoup funds from big player sales to add more quality players to their ranks.
Aside from Neves, Adama Traore could head for the exit door before the transfer deadline.
Neves could be the perfect upgrade on Granit Xhaka with his better defensive attributes while he is also precise with his long ball distribution.
He is more mobile compared to the Swiss on the field and can deliver quality set-pieces. He is also not afraid to take shots and can score the odd wonder goal.
At 24, Neves is entering the prime of his career and would be a top-class signing. He could become the ideal partner for Thomas Partey with his good work rate.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Read: Three Arsenal players Patrick Vieira could bring to Crystal Palace this summer.
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