Arsenal in talks over Ruben Neves transfer with agent Jorge Mendes and Edu in contact over £35m Wolves midfielder

JORGE MENDES is still in contact with Arsenal technical director Edu over a move for Wolves star Ruben Neves.

The Gunners are interested in the Portuguese midfielder as a potential new partner for Thomas Partey with Granit Xhaka linked to a switch to Roma this summer.

And SunSport understands that Neves’ agent Mendes is in constant communication with Edu in an attempt to get a deal over the line as soon as possible. 

However, the £35m price tag on Neves is still a stumbling block in the negotiations.

And SunSport also understands that despite another of Mendes' clients Nuno Espirito Santo - former Wolves boss now at Tottenham - still being a huge fan of Neves, he is unlikely to join Arsenal's North London rivals.

Arsenal are set to have a busy transfer window, and look to be getting their business done early ahead of their Premier League opener against Brentford on August 13.

They have already snapped up left back Nuno Tavares from Benfica for £7m.

And they are close to completing a move for Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga for around £15m.

Brighton’s Ben White, Lyon’s Houssem Aouar and Leicester’s James Maddison could also potentially be arriving at the Emirates in the coming weeks.

Lokonga plays in a similar position to Neves, but the latter’s Prem experience could convince Edu and boss Mikel Arteta to take the plunge for added reinforcement.

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Neves’ contract runs out in 2023, but Wolves are desperate to raise funds to strengthen their squad and see the 24-year-old as replaceable.

Swiss midfielder Xhaka is keen to end his five-year stay in the capital after an impressive Euros, but Arsenal and Serie A side Roma are still yet to agree a fee. 

Roma are willing to pay £15m while Arsenal are looking for a price closer to £20m.

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