In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal’s ongoing efforts to bolster their squad have led them to a promising talent from Benfica.
This player is being considered as an upgrade over the skilled Thomas Partey in the midfield position.
What’s intriguing is that this emerging star has drawn comparisons to one of Arsenal’s most cherished cult figures, Santi Cazorla.
Interest from Premier League Giants
Recent reports from The Athletic highlight that Arsenal is among several Premier League clubs eyeing Benfica’s standout midfielder, Joao Neves, for a summer transfer.
While the article refrains from naming the other interested teams, another source from Portugal has identified Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United as the other English clubs pursuing the young talent.
The competition for Neves is fierce, evidenced by Manchester United’s recent €60 million (£51 million) bid, which was promptly rejected by Benfica.
The Lisbon club has made it clear that they are unwilling to consider offers below €100 million (approximately £85 million).
A Costly Yet Worthwhile Pursuit
Securing Neves will undoubtedly be a challenging and expensive endeavor for Arsenal’s technical director Edu Gaspar and his team.
However, the potential rewards make it a pursuit worth considering.
Signs indicate that Neves could surpass Partey’s capabilities, and his comparisons to Cazorla further heighten his appeal.
Comparing Neves to Partey and Cazorla
Neves is expected to either play at the base of the midfield or possibly as the left eight, positions currently associated with Partey.
To make a fair assessment of Neves’ potential, it’s important to compare his current season’s performance with Partey’s previous season, given the Ghanaian international’s limited 882 minutes of play across all competitions this season.
Assessing Their Performances
When comparing their performances, Neves appears to have the edge over Partey.
The 19-year-old’s underlying statistics this season suggest that he could already be a better option for Arsenal.
This potential superiority, coupled with his similarities to Cazorla, makes Neves an exciting prospect for the club.
Arsenal’s Strategic Move
Arsenal’s interest in Joao Neves aligns with their strategy to strengthen their squad with young, talented players who can make an immediate impact.
Neves’ potential to fill key midfield roles and his comparisons to Cazorla make him a valuable target.
The competition for his signature is fierce, and the financial demands are high, but the potential payoff could significantly enhance Arsenal’s midfield strength.
