'Strong': National media seriously impressed by £60m attacker Arsenal want to sign at Euro 2024
06/27/2024 03:35 AM
A forward who Arsenal are said to be considering a move for this summer enjoyed a 'strong' individual performance at Euro 2024 on Wednesday evening.
Mikel Arteta is believed to want to strengthen his attacking options next season, perhaps believing that he didn't have the necessary firepower to compete on all fronts.
Many would like to see Arsenal sign a striker, a consistent narrative of the last decade, but it seems as if Edu and his team may resist.
Kai Havertz's resurgence as a number nine has changed plans, and Gabriel Jesus is an exceptional player to have as a backup.
Therefore, Arsenal may decide to strengthen in wide positions instead, perhaps seeking an upgrade on the left, or better back-up for Bukayo Saka on the right.
Reiss Nelson could leave Arsenal, and both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli failed to properly claim the spot on the left.
Both definitely have the ability and potential to do so, but perhaps have opened the door for a new signing to come in.
And to that end, Arsenal have been linked with a £60m move for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Pedro Neto for some time.
Arsenal-linked Pedro Neto shines at Euro 2024 despite Portugal’s defeat to Georgia
Perhaps Neto would already be at one of Europe's biggest clubs, possibly even Arsenal, if it wasn't for his injuries.
But having declared himself fit for Portugal Euro 2024, Neto has certainly begun to make the most of his chances in the famous red shirt.
Neto now has nine caps for his country, three of those coming in Germany.
With Rafael Leao suspended against Georgia on Wednesday, Neto was handed a chance to start on the left.
And given that Neto usually plays on the right for Wolves, that switch could be a significant one in the eyes of Arsenal's recruitment team.
Although Portugal lost, Neto enjoyed a strong performance, which was handed a 7/10 by Portuguese outlet Publico, who were fairly sparing with their praise otherwise.
They wrote: "Good game from Pedro Neto, especially in the first half. He was strong on the dribble, taking advantage of the fact that Georgia’s two-on-one in Conceicao was rarely done against Neto.
"He overtook his marker time after time and produced some high-quality crosses, even though they were poorly read by his teammates.
"He also created some goal-scoring opportunities. Without the ball he was also competent, winning several duels.
"What was unnecessary was the simulation of a foul that earned him a yellow card."
Arsenal target Joao Neves had a tougher night for Portugal
Of course, Portugal's lineup was also particularly intriguing from an Arsenal point of view given Joao Neves also started the game.
Benfica's Neves has been linked with Arsenal this summer, perhaps someone who can solve the vacancy at the base of Arteta's midfield.
READ MORE: Arsenal could be about to make £21m-rated goalkeeper their first summer signing
And although Neves appeared to pass the eye-test for fans watching on, Publico handed him a 5/10 for his display, saying the midfielder didn't book his spot to start Portugal's next game.
They reviewed: "Without the ball it was what it always is, a lot of duels and several recoveries in midfield. He didn’t compromise with the ball, but he also wasn’t what he already showed he could be.
"He never plays badly, but it wasn’t one of the brightest days, especially due to his inability to get clean balls out of pressure areas, a virtue that defines him a lot.
"The problem wasn’t there, but the solution wasn’t there either. And he didn’t win a ticket to the eleven in the round of 16."
And whilst that shouldn't deter Arsenal from expressing their interest, it certainly indicates Neves still has room to improve.
