ARSENAL have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Ruben Neves with Barcelona looking to prise the midfielder away from Wolves.
SunSport exclusively revealed last month how the Gunners were eyeing up a summer swoop for the Portugal international as part of a transfer overhaul.
It is understood that the 25-year-old is seen as a potential replacement for Granit Xhaka.
The Swiss star is claimed to be a target for Roma once again with Jose Mourinho desperate to secure his services having failed to nab him last year.
But Spanish media state that the North London outfit could miss out on Neves’ signature to the Blaugrana.
According to Sport, Barca boss Xavi has identified the ex-Porto man as the long-term successor to Sergio Busquets.
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They state that the Catalan club would have to fork out at least £35million in order to tempt Wolves into selling.
The news outlet also adds that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has a good relationship with Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes.
Barca are known to boast good relations with the Midlands outfit with the two clubs involved in a number of transfers in recent windows.
Right-back Nelson Semedo arrived at Molineux from the Nou Camp in September 2020 for £29million.
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Bruno Lage’s side then secured the season-long loan signing of forward Francisco Trincao last year.
Barca then brought Adama Traore back to the club on loan in January, with the deal including an option to buy clause.
And Traore could be reunited with Neves in the summer should Barca complete the permanent signings of the pair.
Neves has starred for Wolves this term, with the player chipping in with four goals and two assists in 30 games in all competitions.
Along with Arsenal and Barca, Neves has also been linked with a switch to Manchester United.
