Arsenal have long admired Pedro Neto – but there is one thing they are concerned about heading into the summer, and have an alternative target in mind.
Neto has lit up the Premier League this season when he has played, scoring three goals and making 11 assists in 23 appearances.
Neto was branded ‘outstanding’ earlier this season by legend John Richards, and it has just been a shame to see him spend time on the sidelines again through injury.
Neto has suffered two hamstring injuries this season, the second of which he is still recovering from.
Fans hope to see him turn out in a Wolves shirt again before the season is out, but it could well be touch and go.
It may well be that Neto has already made his final appearance for Wolves, with a plethora of clubs interested in him.
Arsenal are one such club, but the Gunners may not actually act on their interest this summer for one big reason…
Arsenal concerned about Pedro Neto injury record at Wolves, they could now look elsewhere
Arsenal have admired Neto for a long time now.
There is a feeling for some that he might have already made a move to the Emirates had it not been for all his injury problems, and therein lies the problem now for Arsenal.
According to journalist Charles Watts, the player’s injury record is causing Gunners officials to have reservations, as much as they like him.
He told Caught Offside: “My understanding is one of the big things Arsenal are looking to add this summer is someone who can come in and do something a bit different in attack. Someone who can maybe open the game up by himself with a piece of individual magic when teams are sitting in and frustrating Arsenal. Olise is certainly someone who meets that criteria, so it will be one to keep an eye on.
“Pedro Neto has long been a target of Arsenal, he’s a player they admire greatly. But again, his injury issues have to be a concern and might stop the club from firming up their interest.”
As well as his two hamstring injuries this season, Neto has also sustained two serious setbacks in the last few years. He fractured his patella in April 2021, and then suffered ankle ligament damage in October 2022.
Neto injury record will cost Wolves millions
It was recently suggested by journalist Johnny Phillips that Wolves could accept a fee as low as £40 million for Neto, because of his injury problems.
It would be a travesty if he went for that kind of figure because realistically, a Pedro Neto without injury problems is probably worth more towards the £80 million mark.
He is definitely a player capable of doing special things, and we have seen this season that his end product has been much improved.
We will see if Arsenal come calling. They have been big fans of Neto for a long time and probably would love to sign him. But the injuries may well put them off, although their alternative target Olise has also had hamstring issues this season.