Arsenal, Man United plan to ‘torpedo’ Barcelona’s move for Premier League star – report

Barcelona are set to enter the transfer market in January for the signing of a new midfielder to add more quality cover in the pivot position.

There are growing concerns about the performances of Sergio Busquets and the Catalans do not wish to wait until the summer to bring in a new player in the position.

While a sea of names have been linked with a move to Spotify Camp Nou, Ruben Neves of Wolves has popped up as the most viable candidate for Barcelona.

The 25-year-old has already admitted his desire to play for the Blaugrana, while his agent Jorge Mendes is prepared to help the club secure a loan-to-buy arrangement in January as well.

However, Barça’s sporting staff is believed to be not entirely sold on the Portuguese international and have doubts over his suitability for the role.

Amidst this, according to reports in England, as relayed by SPORT, Arsenal and Manchester United are ready to ‘torpedo’ Barcelona’s plans to sign Neves by moving for him in the January window.

The two Premier League giants have held a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old Wolves ace and could act on it in January, which will make things difficult for Barça.

The Catalans had shown an interest in signing Neves in the summer itself, but the move was made complicated by his club’s €60 million price tag. And while the midfielder could have left for different teams, he decided to stay at Wolves in hope of securing a future move to Barcelona.

However, he is now aware that the Blaugrana are having doubts about his signing and are looking at other options as well, the former FC Porto man could accept any significant proposal that might come his way from either Arsenal or Manchester United, or a different club.

Given his contract expires in 2024, Neves will likely be available for a sum lower than the €60 million that Wolves demanded for him in the summer. But Barcelona are still not yet convinced about him and are assessing other options, which could leave the window open for other parties to swoop him away.