Arsenal’s Pursuit of Portuguese Midfielder Faces January Setback

In a recent turn of events, Arsenal’s ambitions to secure the signature of Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves seem to have hit a stumbling block, casting doubt on a potential January move for the Portuguese talent. Mikel Arteta, the Gunners’ manager and an avid admirer of Neves, may need to reconsider his options, with indications suggesting that the midfielder is leaning towards staying in Saudi Arabia.

Fabrizio Romano, a reliable source in the football transfer market, has hinted that Neves could emerge as a viable alternative to Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz this winter. Nevertheless, a report from The Athletic now indicates that Neves is unlikely to part ways with his current club during the January transfer window. This development forces Arsenal to either intensify their pursuit of Luiz or explore alternative midfield options.

🚨 EXCL: Ruben Neves set to stay at Al Hilal in January window. Regardless of PL vote on associated party loans, as things stand 26yo not expected to leave. No approaches or talks yet + Portugal midfielder happy, settled, crucial to #AlHilal @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/ulN4MSQpEa

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) November 21, 2023

While Newcastle United has been mentioned as a potential destination for Neves, the prospect of him making a move to the Premier League seems uncertain. The English top flight is gearing up for a crucial vote on a motion that could prohibit clubs from engaging in transfer dealings with others under the same ownership.

Neves, with his skill set and style of play, could have been a valuable asset for Arsenal. However, given Thomas Partey’s persistent injury concerns, the Gunners might now need to focus on securing a more like-for-like replacement. Douglas Luiz appears to be a suitable candidate in this regard, making it intriguing to monitor how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks.