Ruben Neves: Bold Arsenal preparing to hijack Newcastle’s move for the Portuguese midfielder

Ruben Neves: Bold Arsenal preparing to hijack Newcastle’s move for the Portuguese midfielder

Earlier this month, it was reported that Newcastle were looking at the possibility of signing Ruben Neves on loan to cover for the banned Sandro Tonali.

With the rumours intensifying over the past few days, it has emerged that Arsenal are preparing to hijack this move to capitalize on an upcoming new rule that is going to block Premier League clubs from loaning players from clubs within the same ownership group.

This means the deal for Newcastle to acquire Neves on loan in January from Al Hilal will be ineligible as both clubs are presently owned by the Saudi PIF.

The change in transfer rules could benefit Arsenal who have since made strengthening their midfield a priority with Thomas Partey ruled out at least until the New Year with an ongoing thigh issue.

The Gunners are also targeting Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, 25, but the deal is unlikely to materialize as the West Midlands club are by no means willing to part with the Brazilian anytime soon.

Another potential move as reported by the German newspaper Bild on Sunday would be to sign German midfielder Julian Brandt, 27, from Borussia Dortmund.

Neves has been linked with a move to Newcastle, but new Premier League rules could see Arsenal swoop in and hijack the deal

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu is known to be a long-term admirer of former Wolves star Neves and the club would prefer going for a player with prior English top-flight football who can easily cope with the complexity of the competition that comes mid-season.

Meanwhile, Premier League clubs are expected to vote in favour of the new rule early next week.

Newcastle were considering a loan move for Ruben Neves to fill the void left by Sandro Tonali who was handed a 10-month ban from football for his involvement in illegal betting.

It is thought the Magpies, who are also tracking out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, cannot afford a permanent replacement for Tonali in January due to FFP restrictions.

It is not the first time Ruben Neves has been linked with a move to the Emirates. Last season, the North London club did not continue with their pursuit of the former Wolves skipper as they were meant to believe he had already agreed personal terms to join the current La Liga champions Barcelona.

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