Former Wolves star Ruben Neves says he almost joined Arsenal and Barcelona before going to Saudi Arabia

27/02/2024 20:30

Ruben Neves has revealed he almost signed for Arsenal before moving to Saudi Arabia having grown ‘tired’ of failed transfer switches.

The ex-Wolves captain linked up with Al Hilal last summer in a stunning £47million deal, and has helped his side sit top of the Saudi Pro League.

talkSPORT reported how the Gunners along with Barcelona were keen on the Portuguese midfielder.

It had been thought that Barca would be his next destination, but offers failed to come in for the 26-year-old.

And Neves has now admitted that both clubs were indeed chasing him, with their failure to turn their interest into formal bids upsetting him.

He told O Jogo: “I was close to three clubs and it ended up not happening, which saddened me and helped me make the decision to go to Al Hilal.

“I didn’t want to mention names, but Barcelona was one of the hottest and it wasn’t a lie.

“It was close to happening, just like with Arsenal. Then there was another club outside England.

“These were events that accumulated and then, with this golden opportunity, I had no doubts about accepting it. I was tired of transfers that didn’t happen.”

And Neves, who has chipped in with four goals and six assists in 28 games this season, has insisted he has no plans to leave the Middle East in the near future.

He remarked: ” Playing in Saudi doesn’t make me feel any different compared to my colleagues in Europe.

“My physical capacity is great. I’m on track to, one day, be able to return to Europe and play at the highest level. But, to be honest, I don’t plan on returning anytime soon.

“Taking this path, Saudi could have one of the most important leagues in the world within two years.

“There is no secret, the quality of the players that arrive is extremely high.

“If each team bets on eight foreigners of that level, this almost becomes a PlayStation championship, in which we can choose the players at will.

“I believe I will be here in two years and, who knows, even a little longer.”