Arsenal look set to change their plans for the January transfer window after it was claimed Ruben Neves will not be leaving Al-Hilal. The Portugal star was reported to be the No 1 target for Mikel Arteta to replace the injury-prone Thomas Partey.
Arsenal have been without Partey for much of the season. The Ghana international has not started a match for his club since August due to groin and thigh problems.
He missed a month of action after injuring his groin in training. Upon returning to fitness, he then suffered a serious thigh injury which is set to keep him out for the remainder of the year.
Arsenal are short of options in midfield and cannot afford any more absences in that area. Neves has been linked with a return to the Premier League, just six months after leaving Wolves for the Saudi Pro League.
Spanish outlet Sport claims Arteta had identified the 26-year-old as his top target to replace Partey. But it appears the Gunners boss will now have to look elsewhere.
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The Athletic claims that Neves is not expected to leave Al-Hilal in January. He has become a key player for the Saudi club, who sit four points clear at the top of the table.
Al-Hilal are unbeaten after 13 matches of the season despite being without Neymar due to a long-term knee injury. Neves had also been linked with a loan move to Newcastle.
However, the Premier League are set to vote to temporarily ban teams from signing players on loan from clubs who are under the same ownership. That would put an end to any chance of Neves joining Newcastle on a short-term deal.
But the report says Neves will not be leaving Saudi Arabia even if that ban does not come into place. He still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract following his £47million move in June.
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Arsenal will have to seek alternative options if they are to recruit in midfield. A deal for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz will be difficult, while Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains a target.
Arteta said earlier this month that Partey’s ongoing fitness issues are a worry. He said: “It is a big concern because when Thomas is fit and available and he’s been part of the team, we’ve seen the results and the impact that he had.
“This season we have more protection especially for that reason because we know in the last two seasons what has happened and the result it had on the team. We had to address that and now it has happened.
“It can happen in football and I’m so sorry for him because I think he is doing every single thing he can do right to be there. He was gutted and we are for him, but he needs to lift himself up again with our support and go again because he’s a player that is critical for us.”
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