Ruben Neves explains how close he came to joining Arsenal

Ruben Neves was close to joining Arsenal in the summer.

The Portuguese midfielder left Wolves to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hila earlier this season.

He ended his six-year stint with the English giants having more than 250 appearances to his name at the Molineux.

During his time with Wolves, Neves was often linked with moves away with Arsenal. Manchester United, Liverpool, and other teams at various stages of his Premier League career.

Arsenal and Barcelona were the two clubs who were interested in signing the 26-year-old last summer but he ultimately pursued a new challenge with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Neves has been impressive in Saudi Arabia, bagging four goals and six assists in 28 appearances so far this campaign.

The 26-year-old was tired of the Arsenal transfer saga that never materialised and ultimately made a surprise move to Al-Hilal.

He said: “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.”

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