Arsenal to activate £22m release clause of powerful DM

Despite being a no-gunner for the January transfer window, the excessive injury woes bedeviling Arsenal are bent to force Wenger to trade come winter in order to get replacements and added quality for his squad. As they prepare for the second part of the season and increase their title chances, the Gunners have marked FC Porto’s young midfielder and ace, Ruben Neves, as a potential transfer target for the winter transfer window.

The French coach has had scouts sent to watch the teenage sensation for the 3rd time already this season, and their satisfactory reports are pointer to the fact that he could arrive the Emirates come New Year. The 18 year-old is seen as a replacement and backup for the injured defensive midfielder, Francis Coquelin. The 24 year-old picked up an injury a fortnight ago and is not expected to return to action until next year. His midfield partner, Santi Cazorla, is also out until much later of the second half of the season and a quality replacement is urgently needed. Neves was on point during Porto’s last League match against Pacos Ferreira that ended 2 – 1, and his performances once again impressed the Arsenal scouts for the umpteenth time. The North London club are budgeting around £22 million for his services.

Neves’ quality for a teenager are rare, and his maturity has seen him even captain his side in a Champions League game this term. Though a defensive midfielder and anchor, the young Portugal international is more of an attack-minded player, who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and also good with tackles. His vision and ability to read games are also qualities that would no doubt excite Wenger, and the possibility of having him remains high.