NEW ERA: Man United ‘Agree Personal Terms’ with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as Sir Jim Ratcliffe Nears First Signing.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to make improved offers for Joao Neves after Benfica rejected their opening £51m bids.
The 19-year-old is one of the best young midfielders in world football and he was brilliant in his first full season at Benfica. Neves established himself as a regular starter from the no.6 role and he could pursue a bigger challenge this summer.
As per A Bola, Benfica have already rejected £51 million bids from Man United and Arsenal for the highly-rated midfielder. Benfica are currently holding out for the player’s £102 million release clause, but there is an acceptance from the Portuguese club’s side that no suitors would be willing to meet their current transfer valuation.
Arsenal are in the market for another midfielder with Thomas Partey tipped to leave and Neves has emerged as a prime target for the North Londoners this summer.
However, the report suggests that Man Utd are also showing a serious interest as they look to improve their squad, and the duo are expected to return with fresh proposals for Neves soon.
Huge talent
Neves has developed into a quality defensive midfielder at just 19 years of age. In the recent campaign, he had a pass completion rate of 90%. He won 6 duels and 2 tackles per league appearance alongside 6.4 recoveries. There are no surprises that he is attracting a lot of interest and Benfica could be cоmpelled to sell for less than his release clause.
Benfica president Rui Costa stated in his season assessment last month that the Portuguese teams must sell players in order to be solvent and keep out of trouble with Financial Fair Play. This makes it rather evident that the team may contemplate a high-profile exit. Their two best young players are Antonio Silva and Neves, the latter of whom may make a move this summer.
The source claims that United is reportedly working on a fresh bid for the wonderkid and intends to sign him for a contract worth between £70 and £80 million. Benfica may accept such an offer subject to payments. United won’t be winning the race by themselves, and they’ll need to step up their negotiations if they want to beat the Gunners to a trade deal. Arsenal is a contender as well.
