Mikel Arteta pushing Arsenal to sign Portuguese star

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has requested the hierarchy to sign Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves this winter.

The Gunners are currently lacking the services of Thomas Partey in midfield due to a thigh injury. He is out until the New Year.

There is also speculation that he wishes to leave the club in January and Sport claim that Arteta wants to replace him with Neves.

The 26-year-old was on the radar of top European sides last summer, but he opted to join Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He has been a huge hit during his time in the Saudi Pro League but Arteta seems keen on bringing him back to the Premier League.

Arsenal may need to pay the €55m which Al-Hilal purchased him for, but the big question is whether they will consider a winter exit.

Al-Hilal may ideally prefer to keep him until the end of the campaign. They are also unlikely to entertain a temporary proposal for him in January.