Arsenal look set to beat Premier League rivals to the signing of Porto midfielder Ruben Neves, in a deal which could cost £22 million.
The 18-year-old has also been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham, however Arsenal’s need for midfielders looks to have catapulted them into pole position.
Francis Coquelin is out for 2-3 months with a knee injury, whilst both Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta run out of contract in the summer, leaving only Santi Cazorla as the other recognised central midfielder.
And holding-man Neves could move to the Gunners, who are interested in paying £12 million upfront with a potential £10 million added on in bonuses.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has not ruled out opening the chequebook in January to bolster his squad having said: ”We are in a position where we want to do something. If I find the right quality, I will do it.”
