Superagent pressing Barcelona to sign Arsenal, Man United midfield target this summer

Ruben Neves is a player that has been linked with a move to FC Barcelona for quite a long time now. The Wolves midfielder could have joined the Catalans last summer but the club decided to strengthen in other positions.

Links to the Portuguese international have persisted though with Barça in the market for reinforcements in the middle of the park.

And now, SPORT is reporting that Neves’ agent, Jorge Mendes, is urging Barcelona to sign the midfielder this summer amidst interest from Premier League bigwigs Arsenal and Manchester United.

Neves’ name had been considered and dismissed by the Barcelona coaching staff, including Xavi, as they were not convinced about his abilities to operate as a single pivot. So, it was believed that a move for the 26-year-old midfielder was as good as ruled out.

However, the former FC Porto ace is a player that is favoured by Barcelona president Joan Laporta. His close ties with Mendes mean that the club supremo is of the belief that he can sign the Portuguese ace for a bargain, especially with the midfielder’s contract expiring next year.

Now, Mendes is urging Barcelona to sign Neves as he believes that the deal for the Portuguese international would be more financially advantageous for the club than any other signings they are considering.

The Barça technical staff, though, have their sights set on a move for Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to reinforce their midfield this summer, while they might look at other options for the pivot position.

But, Laporta is said to be keeping the Neves option open as Mendes continues to insist on his signing. The 26-year-old midfielder, for his part, wants to decide on his next move soon as the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are not prepared to wait for long to sign him up.

It does seem unlikely that Neves will end up at Barça in the summer without consensus from the staff, but nothing can be ruled out right away, considering Mendes’ influence and the club’s financial situation.