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Sky journalist says £60m Arsenal target is now joining Champions League rivals

Giuseppe Labellarte

Fri 2 August 2024 20:15, UK

Arsenal are now up and running in the summer market, with one senior signing over the line and more potentially on the cards.

In July, the 🅰Gunners signed Italy international Riccardo Calafiori🅰 from Bologna for a deal said to be worth £42million.

Arsenal🌺 also appear to be making good progress in pursuit of Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino.

It was recently reported that the Gunners are “set to complete” a deal🎉 with the Basque outfit worth a fee in the region of £34million plus bonuses.

🥀However, there will invariably be those targets who slip through the net, with one such player now said to have joined a Champions League rival.

READ MORE: ♓Justin Bieber ‘specifically requested’ to take a picture with three Arsenal players in Los Angeles

Arsenal target Joao Neves now set for Paris Saint-Germain

The player in question is Joao Neves🃏, who has made a name for himself at Benfica and played for Portugal at Euro 2024.

Arsenal have been linked with Neves✤ for a number of months now, with Mikel Arteta said to be a big fan of the defensive midfielder.

🎶However, Paris Saint-Germain have raced ahead and, according to Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, they’re now over the line.

ꦑPlettenberg claims the medicals have been done and all the relevant paperwork has been signed, and Neves will now join PSG for a £60million fee.

🐭Renato Sanches will go the other way on loan, and announcements for both deals are planned for today or tomorrow, added the reporter.

Arsenal miss out on ‘excellent’ talent

🦩Neves has come through the ranks at Benfica to become one of the club’s key players at just 19 years of age.

ܫHe broke into the Benfica first-team in 2023 and has made 75 appearances for his club. He has also won nine caps for Portugal and featured at Euro 2024.

Neves has been praised by 🐼Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who deemed his compatriot “excellent” and ready for Premier League football.

🅠Sadly, he won’t be gracing the English top flight any time soon, with Arsenal and other suitors missing out on him and PSG winning the race.