Arsenal turning to Fabio Vieira’s agent to help them land ‘expensive player they want’

Arteta not getting carried away over Arsenal's early season form

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Arsenal are reportedly hoping that agent Jorge Mendes can assist them in their pursuit of Wolves winger Pedro Neto. Mikel Arteta is keen to add another forward to his ranks this summer, with it emerging that Neto is one of the club’s top targets.

The Gunners have welcomed four new signings to their ranks this summer, though many are hoping that their business is far from finished. It is felt that they are still short of a central midfielder and a forward, with the latter now a priority after Nicolas Pepe secured a loan move to Nice.

Neto has been cited as a top target in north London, and Arteta is a long-term admirer of the 22-year-old. And according to The Telegraph, Fabio Vieira’s agent Mendes could be relied upon to make connections with Wolves, who are reluctant to part ways with the forward.

It is no secret that the businessman – who has an accolade of top clients, including Cristiano Ronaldo – has a significant influence at Wolves, as shown by their plethora of Portuguese talent at the club. And Neto too is represented by Gestifute, Mendes’ agency, meaning that he will have a significant role to play in making the deal happen, if it is at all possible.

Neto penned a new five-year deal at the Molineux Stadium earlier this year and given how late it is in the transfer window, Wolves are demanding a significant fee for his services. It is reported that £50million would be enough for Bruno Lage’s side to consider parting ways with the Portuguese playmaker.

Wolves boss Lage responded to the reports of Neto being targeted, saying: “I have heard that but nothing has come to us. It’s normal now, with the good players that we have.

“Teams are looking for good players in the same way we are looking for [Goncalo] Guedes, Matheus [Nunes], [Nathan] Collins. No one told me anything about any proposal.” Given that a winger is a priority at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal do have alternative targets if they are unable to strike a deal for Neto, which is likely to take their summer spending spree total beyond £165m.

Bayer Leverkusen forward Moussa Diaby has also been linked with a move to the Gunners, with Newcastle also previously interested in the Frenchman. Though a move for the former Paris Saint-Germain player could become unlikely as Leverkusen are set to offer the 23-year-old a new contract to deter any interest.

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