Arsenal are looking to bring a new central midfielder to the club before Monday's 11pm transfer deadline.
Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to add to his squad this month, but so far the Gunners have been left frustrated in their efforts.
Arsenal wanted to sign Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus, but the Old Lady wanted to bring in an adequate replacement for the Brazil international - and it seems as if they were unable to.
So, it appears as if Arsenal will have to turn their attention elsewhere should they want to add a new midfielder to their ranks over the next few days.
According to recent reports, the Gunners are interested in signing Ruben Neves from Wolves. Arteta is a big admirer of the Portugal international, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Molineux.
The Sun are reporting that Wolves will only consider offers in the region of £40-45million for the 24-year-old midfielder, with Manchester United also said to be interested in his signature.
If Arsenal and Arteta needed any convincing to go out and make a move for Neves, then Pep Guardiola's previous verdict on the Wolves star may do just that.
Speaking back in 2019, Guardiola said on Neves: "He's an excellent player. It involves playing with two holding midfielders - not just one - but he's an excellent player."
What's been said on Neves' future?
While not addressing Neves' future specifically, Wolves boss Bruno Lage admitted that any of his players could leave the club should a huge offer come in for their services.
Lage said: "When you want to make the next step and you sell your best players, the next step never happens.
"The main thing, and we can clarify this, we are here with a project of our ideas - chairman, sporting director and manager - the main point is to continue with the same players, to improve them and go to the next level.
"But in modern football, if a big transfer appears, like it did when I was at Benfica. Two years ago, a team came and paid €120m for one player - you cannot say no. You can say no, but you don't receive the money to improve the team and you continue with the same players.
"In the transfer window, you need to decide what is best for the club and for the player."
