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Arsenal planning January loan move for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves?

Arsenal planning January loan move for Ruben Neves?
© Reuters
Arsenal may reportedly explore the possibility of signing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves on loan during the January transfer window.

Arsenal have reportedly identified Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves as a potential January transfer target.

After a legendary six-year stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Neves made the decision to sign for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal in the summer.

So far, Neves, who cost £47m, has made a total of 17 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist.

Al-Hilal currently sit top of the domestic standings after 13 matches without losing a game, while they are in contention to reach the last 16 of the AFC Champions League.

Ever since Neves made the switch to the Middle East, though, the Portugal international has been frequently linked with a return to the Premier League with Newcastle United.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe on October 4, 2023© Reuters

That is a result of the Magpies and Al-Hilal each being owned by the Public Investment Fund and no rules being in place where a transfer between the two clubs could not be negotiated.

According to reports, that will soon change with Premier League teams expected to vote to prevent clubs benefitting from such a scenario.

Newcastle had allegedly been keen to sign Neves on loan courtesy of a replacement being required for Sandro Tonali, but it appears that Arsenal may look to take advantage of their pending predicament.

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook suggests that the Gunners could be ready to turn their attention to Neves to solve their own midfield issues.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured before the match on November 8, 2023© Reuters

Thomas Partey is likely to be sidelined through injury until the turn of the year, with the Ghana international also said to have indicated that he wants to leave the Emirates Stadium.

Uncertainty also remains over the long-term future of Jorginho, but it is likely that the Italian will see out the season with Arsenal at the very least.

As it stands, it is unclear whether Neves would welcome a return to England so soon after moving to Saudi Arabia and signing a three-year contract.

Any player who left the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League and returns to England before 2025 also faces the prospect of a hefty tax bill, something that may come into consideration in the next three transfer windows.

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Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali on August 5, 2023
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