Arsenal are reportedly ready to return for Wolves winger Pedro Neto this summer, as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of a season in the Champions League.
The Gunners are set to be playing in Europe’s top competition for the first time since 2017, with one more point from the final eight games needed to ensure their position in it.
They will want to offer a better showing than they have in recent years, however, and to do so will need reinforcements, with Bukayo Saka having started 31 of the 32 Premier League games that they have played this season.
Mikel Arteta was keen to bring Raphinha to the Emirates last summer, only for the transfer to be hijacked by Barcelona, and subsequently the Gunners moved for Neto. However, Wolves weren’t selling.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United – Premier League WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on April 05, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
Fast forward 12 months and the situation at Arsenal remains the same, with a right-winger still on the shopping list this summer, while Wolves have softened their stance due to a change of management and Neto having slipped down the pecking order at Molineux.
The 23-year-old is yet to start under new boss Julen Lopetegui after suffering an ankle injury in the middle of the season, and has managed just 151 minutes under the Spaniard.
Under contract until 2027, Wolves were keen to demand in excess of £50m last summer, and would likely expect a similar amount for the talent to move on.
However, he could prove the perfect foil for Saka in their bid to go deep in all four competitions next season.