Portuguese midfielder confirms Arsenal wanted to sign him

Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has revealed that he was close to joining Arsenal before his move to Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal.

The Portugal international was a top target for the Gunners during his time at Wolves, but a transfer did not materialise between the clubs.

The Gunners were unable to sign him on a couple of occasions and they eventually turned their focus to landing Declan Rice from West Ham.

Neves, meanwhile, ended up joining Al Hilal in a deal worth £47 million after both Arsenal and Barcelona declined the option of signing him.

He said: "I was close to three clubs and it didn’t happen, which saddened me and helped me make the decision to go to Al Hilal."

"I didn’t want to put names forward, but Barcelona was one of the hottest and it wasn’t a lie. It was close to happening, just like with Arsenal."

Neves has refused to rule out a return to European football in future. It could happen this summer if he were to impress at Euro 2024.

Arsenal are unlikely to make a fresh move for him, considering they are looking at other targets such as Amadou Onana and Martin Zubimendi.