Ruben Neves decides against awkward Arsenal transfer after Mikel Arteta row

21 November 2023 , 17:23

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Ruben Neves decides against awkward Arsenal transfer after Mikel Arteta row

Ruben Neves has no interest in returning to the Premier League in the January transfer window despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle.

The former Wolves playmaker, 26, was regularly linked with other top-flight clubs during his stint at Molineux but instead joined the exodus of stars who moved to the Saudi Pro League in the summer with Al-Hilal. Neves has already established himself as an influential player for the SPL leaders, however, that hasn't prevented reports linking him with a return to England.

Both Arsenal and Newcastle have been touted as potential destinations for Neves, who signed a three-year deal with Al-Hilal back in June. But it now seems as though the £47million has no desire to leave his new club in the New Year.

According to a new report from The Athletic, Neves is happy and settled in Saudi Arabia, where he is enjoying life with Al-Hilal. The team currently coached by Jorge Jesus are currently four points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassar at the summit of the SPL and into the quarter-finals of the King’s Cup.

Neves' willingness to stay, coupled with injuries sustained by Al-Hilal star men Neymar and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, means the former Premier League ace is now set to stay put at least until the end of the season.

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Arsenal's interest in Neves could have led to an extremely awkward reunion for the Portugal international after he criticised the club for "over-celebrating" following a 1-0 win at Wolves back in February 2022 - comments which sparked outrage among Arsenal fans.

Join the debate! Do you think Arsenal should try and sign Neves next summer? Let us know here.

Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has decided against a swift return to the Premier League

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."

Mikel Arteta, though, bit back just a few weeks later when the two teams met again in north London with a blunt response. 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]."

While a deal for Neves is now seemingly off the table, it's understood Arteta and Arsenal will still attempt to sign a midfielder in January. Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa has also been touted as a potential target.

Dan Marsh