Mikel Arteta's side could be handed a transfer boost (Image: Getty)
Pedro Neto’s exploits for Wolverhampton Wanderers have seen him catch the eye of both Arsenal and their title-contending rivals Liverpool. However, the chase to sign the winger could sway in the Gunners’ direction due to the complications surrounding Mohamed Salah’s proposed move to the Middle East.
Since their tenacious pursuit in the summer, radio silence has since fallen on Salah’s rumoured switch. Al Ittihad’s £150 million bid for the talisman was rejected, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll make the transfer that former teammates Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson likely regretted.
This uncertainty may play into Arsenal’s hands because Liverpool won't be sure if they need to replace Salah or not. Gunners and England icon David Seaman commented on Neto’s future after his forceful drive and cutback set up Wolves’ winner against Tottenham.
“He broke from his own half, took it all the way, and then squared it for [Joao] Gomes. Neto’s left foot is amazing,” stated Seaman. “It was just brilliant play from him. He’s a special player.
Neto looks set to make a huge move in the summer (Image: Getty)
“Where do we put his valuation? He’s only about 23, 24. He’s not old, is he? So, he’s coming into the peak of his career, he’s not even getting there yet. But, you look at that, and then you look at someone like Declan Rice, although Declan’s home-grown, so that puts a few million on the price tag, but he’s got to be up in the 80s easily.
“Wolves are going to do well to keep hold of him at the end of the season, whether it’ll be Premier League I don’t know because he might even get tempted by one of the big clubs abroad. It’s tough because he’s a really special player.”
Much as they did during the Declan Rice saga, Arsenal could lay significant groundwork in brokering a deal for Neto before their rivals have the opportunity to engage.
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Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes Liverpool’s record Premier League goal scorer will eventually make a move this summer, stating: “Mo Salah will definitely leave this summer. No matter what happens this season. Hopefully, Liverpool get a massive fee and get a couple of players off the back of it.
“He could've gone last summer and stormed into Jurgen Klopp’s office and said, ‘I want to go’, but he’s not done that. The lads who have come in [in Salah’s absence] know that they’re fighting for their position which is great, as long as a couple of them don’t get injured.
“When Mo Salah goes, and I think he will go, Liverpool might go and get a few more players for those positions.”
The Portuguese winger would fill the cavernous hole left by Salah’s prospective departure, but an upper hand could be gained in north London during the Merseyside club’s uncertainty.
