With a few upgrades in specific areas and the return of his injured and suspended players, he will have no reason not to succeed with this bunch.
“Future and long-term ambitions don’t matter,” stated Wolves winger Pedro Neto in October, when asked about his future amid Arsenal speculation.
A day later, he would depart the Molineux pitch on a stretcher after sustaining a serious hamstring injury. He had an assist in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle, bringing his total to eight goals in as many Premier League games.
However, he would not play again until December 30th, which was viewed as a success by Gary O’Neil, who had expected he would be out for longer. Unfortunately, Neto is not new to the physio room.
The Portugal star fractured his kneecap in April 2021, forcing him to miss 10 months of play. Then, last season, an ankle ailment sidelined him between September 2022 and March 2023. Neto has now suffered another setback after being forced to leave the weekend’s 2-1 victory over Fulham due to a recurring hamstring injury.
It is a cruel blow not only to the Wolves, but also to their chances of making a significant move this summer. Arsenal are reportedly still interested in the 24-year-old, who has five caps and one goal for his country.
Wolves may eventually be obliged to trade Neto, regardless. They are reported to be approaching Premier League spending limitations, but will not face any sanctions this season.
However, Mikel Arteta may reconsider his bid for Neto. The attacker, who has more than three years left on his present contract, will want to play regular football.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard would be ahead of him in the pecking order, while Gabriel Jesus has demonstrated his ability to play as a winger if necessary. But, more importantly, Arteta may be concerned about not obtaining value for money in an FFP-constrained period.
Neto’s injury problems will cause anxiety, and Arteta will not want to be without an expensive signing for an extended length of time. Another concern is that other parts of the squad may require further attention.
A center striker is expected to be pursued, while another midfielder and possibly a backup centre-back may be on the shortlist. Buying another winger seemed unneeded for the time being, even though Reiss Nelson is scheduled to leave The Emirates Stadium at the conclusion of the season.
Even if a wide man was high on the agenda, Neto’s three goals and 11 assists in 23 games this season are unlikely to compensate for his injury history, which is unfortunate for the player.
Contrary to his October statement, his long-term goals will be important to him. He may be interested in joining a Champions League club, but it appears unlikely that Arsenal will make an offer given the current situation.
