Ruben Neves joined Al-Hilal for £47 million in the summer (Getty)
Mikel Arteta is pushing Arsenal’s hierarchy to sign Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, according to reports.
The Gunners are expected to bolster their midfield options in the January transfer window following the injury to Thomas Partey, who is sidelined until at least the start of next year after undergoing surgery.
Aston Villa‘s Douglas Luiz is on Arsenal’s shortlist, however, they face a difficult task in signing the Brazilian as Villa are unwilling to sell and the midfielder signed a new contract last year which keeps him tied to the club until 2026.
According to Sport, Neves is on Arteta’s personal wishlist and the Arsenal manager has approached the club’s board about signing the Portugal international in the January transfer window.
The report claims that Newcastle United are also interested in Neves, who joined Al-Hilal in a £47 million deal in June.
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is also on Arsenal’s midfield shortlist (AP)
Neves joined Wolves for £15.8m in 2017 and spent six seasons with the club before his departure in the summer.
Speaking before his move to the Saudi Pro League, Neves made it clear that he wanted to join an elite team in Europe.
‘I want to be here but I never hide that I want to play Champions League football,’ Neves said.
‘It’s a hard decision. Me and my family love it here, but in football you have to go for your main goals.’
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Arsenal are set to make a move in January.