Ruben Neves looks set to snub a winter return to the Premier League despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United, according to reports.
With Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe both in need of midfield reinforcements, the Portugal international has emerged as a top target for the two clubs in the January transfer window.
After undergoing surgery, Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey until at least the start of the new year, and he will then be engaged in the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving the Gunners short on choices.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will be without star summer acquisition Sandro Tonali until next season after he was sentenced to a 10-month penalty for violating betting regulations.
The Magpies were connected with a loan move for Neves, who has been at Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League since leaving Wolves in a £47 million deal in the summer.
However, given Newcastle’s Saudi ownership, any potential transaction between the club and the Public Investment Fund-backed Al-Hilal would spark a backlash in the Premier League.
In fact, Premier League executives are already planning to impose a temporary restriction on loans between teams that share ownership beginning in January.
Regardless of the outcome of such conversations, The Athletic reports that Neves is unlikely to join Newcastle or Arsenal.
As of now, the 26-year-old is anticipated to stay with Al-Hilal until the end of the season.
Neves is content and at ease at the Riyadh-based club, where he has swiftly established himself as a crucial player for the SPL leaders.
While Arsenal and Newcastle are both interested, there have been no formal approaches or conversations over Neves’ prospective departure, and he is content to see out the season and compete for silverware in several competitions.
Al-Hilal are also hesitant to let Neves go due to injuries to two of their other high-profile recruits, Neymar and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Arsenal and Newcastle will have to go elsewhere for midfield reinforcements, with the Gunners linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz – though Unai Emery’s high-flying side are unlikely to sell as they chase Champions League qualifying.
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