15 November 2023 , 00:00
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Ruben Neves might have a few apologies to make as Arsenal eye a January move for the former Wolves star.
The Portuguese midfielder is currently with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal after leaving Molineux in the summer following a hugely successful six-year stint. The 26-year-old penned a three-year deal with his new club but it appears a move back to England could be on the cards.
Newcastle have already been linked with a swoop as they attempt to find a replacement for the banned Sandro Tonali. Premier League clubs are attempting to halt the deal with a vote expected next week on clubs loaning players within the same ownership group - the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund owning both Newcastle and Al-Hilal.
Now, it appears that Arsenal could take advantage. According to talkSPORT, Edu is a long-term admirer of Neves, who is seen as a potential January signing amid Thomas Partey’s ongoing injury issues.
The former Porto captain would have some making up to do in North London should a move be rubber-stamped though. He ruffled a number of feathers at Arsenal with his scathing comments about the Gunners’ celebrations after a 1-0 win at Molineux in February 2022.
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Speaking at the time, he said: "We saw the way they celebrated the win and that shows the level we are. I didn't see Arsenal celebrating like this in the past 10 years - it was like they won the league."
Ruben Neves was not happy with Arsenal's celebrations after their win at Molineux in February 2022 (Getty Images)Would Ruben Neves be a good signing for Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Arsenal made sure to make Neves eat his words in the return game at the Emirates. Taking place two weeks after, Arsenal won again - a late Jose Sa own-goal sealing victory after Nicolas Pepe’s equaliser cancelled out Hwang-Hee Chan’s opening strike.
Talking after the game, Arteta fired a subtle dig at Neves. He said: "I encourage them to celebrate every victory. Because you can tell how difficult it is in this game to win football matches.
"Our supporters are the same, every time we win we should celebrate because when you lose or draw you know the faces are always [sad]."
Kieran Tierney, now on-loan at Real Sociedad, also referenced Neves’ comments. Asked if his team were aware of what the midfielder had said, he replied: "Yeah, we would have been for sure.
“Obviously everyone knows the comments that were made. So we knew they were going to come out and try to beat us, and get their revenge. But we stood up to that challenge.”
Since leaving Wolves for Al-Hilal, Neves has made 17 appearances for his new club and scored twice. His side currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League after an unbeaten start to the new campaign.