Background of the Story
Benfica president Rui Costa has revealed that a bid has been made for the highly sought-after midfielder, Joao Neves. The 19-year-old has attracted significant attention following an exceptional season in Portugal’s top flight, making him one of Europe’s most in-demand players this summer. Both Arsenal and Manchester United are keen on acquiring Neves, who has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Rodri.
Competition Heats Up
Arsenal and Manchester United are not the only clubs vying for Neves’ signature. Other European giants have shown interest, potentially setting the stage for a fierce bidding war. Costa has suggested that Neves could be sold for less than his £101m release clause, a revelation that has intensified the competition for the talented youngster.
Official Statement
In an interview with A Bola, Rui Costa addressed the speculation:
“I never said that Joao Neves would only leave for his release clause and therefore, those claims are false. What I can say in relation to Joao Neves is that there is an offer on the table. That has been in the news in the last days but I’m not going to say where this proposal stands. There is a proposal on the table which is being evaluated and is being discussed. But at this moment, Joao Neves remains a Benfica player. It’s not that I want to hide the ins and outs because I understand that Benfica fans want to know whether Joao will be leaving or not. But at this moment, there are ongoing negotiations, so please allow me to be reserved about this subject so we can take care of what will be the best outcome for Benfica.”
Potential Transfer to PSG
The offer reportedly comes from Paris Saint-Germain, with the French champions eager to bolster their midfield. Arsenal and Manchester United, who have been linked with Neves for some time, now face stiff competition. Neves, with 75 Benfica appearances and nine caps for Portugal, including two at Euro 2024, remains a hot commodity. According to Portuguese outlet Record, negotiations between PSG and Benfica could conclude by the end of this week.