Ruben Neves of Wolves is a transfer target for Chelsea. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
According to a Substack column from journalist Simon Phillips (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are considering a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves.
The Portugal international has been a long-term Blues target, dating back to last winter when they wanted to sign him in the previous January window. During the summer window, Arsenal were also in the race but could not complete the deal.
Neves has been one of the consistent performers in the Premier League. Although Wolves are rock bottom in the table this season, the former Porto midfielder has done for them.
He has added goals to his game this season, with four in 14 appearances. The highest goals count in the previous four English top-flight league campaigns was five in 36 appearances back in the 2020/21 campaign.
Chelsea are in a situation where they could lose two senior midfielders for free next summer. Both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are having their contracts expiring at Stamford Bridge in six months’ time, with no agreement on an extension yet.
Moreover, they are 31 and 30 respectively. So, not just adding more bodies to the central midfield department is needed, decreasing the average age could come in handy as well.
Neves, 25, has Premier League and international experience, is a leader at Wolves and has great qualities on and off the ball to come good in a Chelsea shirt. He is precise with his passing, possesses a great eye for picking out forward runners, has a shot to be in awe of and works his socks off without the ball. He is a warrior in midfield per se.
His contract expires in the summer of 2024 (Transfermarkt), hence the Blues can push for a move next summer and test the resolve of Wolves. If the player has not signed a contract extension by then, the price tag would push down as well.
Neves is also headed to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with Portugal. A good tournament there could increase his valuation and competition for his signature – if Wolves are open to selling him in the first place.
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