Wolves boss Bruno Lage denies existence of Arsenal ‘proposal’ for Pedro Neto, but confirms something on table for teammate
Bruno Lage is not aware of any proposals for Wolves forward Pedro Neto despite increasing rumours of a transfer to Arsenal.
After embarking on his fourth season with Wolves, Neto has been attracting interest from Arsenal. Although he only scored once last season, in a campaign affected by injury, the Gunners are keen to give him the next step in his career.
Wolves still have Neto under contract until 2027 following a new arrangement agreed to in March. Hence, they would not be willing to let the Portugal international leave easily.
But Arsenal could lift him up to Europa League level. It is a status he has only enjoyed in his first season with Wolves and never since.
For now, Arsenal are focusing on the departure of Nicolas Pepe. But once the former Lille forward is able to leave, their attention could turn to bidding for Neto as a more reliable replacement.
Wolves will be bracing themselves as a result. But for now, their head coach Lage has been able to confirm there have not been any proposals – at least to the best of his knowledge.
While acknowledging there could be interest in Neto, Lage does not find it surprising – but is adamant there is nothing concrete on the table as of yet.
Speaking after Wolves’ 2-1 win over Preston North End in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, during which Neto came on as a substitute, Lage said: “I have heard that but nothing has come to us.
“It’s normal now, with the good players that we have. Teams are looking for good players in the same way we are looking for (Goncalo) Guedes, Matheus (Nunes), (Nathan) Collins.
“No one told me anything about any proposal.”
Neto’s overall record for Wolves reads 96 appearances, 11 goals and 12 assists. At the age of 22, the winger has a bright future ahead of him – but there could be more time to spend at Molineux yet.
Bruno Lage confirms proposal for Pedro Neto teammate
The situation could be different for one of his teammates, though. Defender Willy Boly was absent from the squad against Preston due to a physical issue.
But he has also been the subject of an exit link, after Wolves rejected a £1million offer from Nottingham Forest.
Lage was not willing to hide the fact that something is on the table for the 31-year-old. He maintains his faith in him as a professional, still.
Lage explained: “The only thing I can say is that Boly with me, top behaviour, good professional, he respects my opinions, but in the morning he didn’t feel that he could play.
“He had some pains so he stayed out of the squad. That is the only thing I can say for now, let’s see what happens until the end of the market. I know there’s a proposal for him.”
Boly has been with Wolves for longer than Neto, registering 147 appearances. His tally could be coming to an end, though. Only two fixtures remain for Wolves before the transfer window closes.
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