Search icon

Football

30th Nov 2015

Arsenal reportedly ready to splurge £22m on a new defensive midfielder

Injuries piling up at the Emirates

Simon Lloyd

Arsenal’s draw at Norwich came at a cost, with three key players picking up injuries.

Laurent Koscielny, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla have been added to a growing Emirates injury list which has contributed to a dismal November for Arsene Wenger’s men.

As is usually the case when Arsenal aren’t winning, Piers Morgan has been quick to place the blame squarely at the feet of Arsene Wenger, who he feels should have strengthened the squad while he had the opportunity (and funds) to do so in the summer.

But hang on a minute – Piers’ prayers could be answered.

If a report in the Sun is to be believed, Arsenal are plotting a £22m swoop for Porto’s Ruben Neves, a defensive midfielder who can fill the void left by Francis Coquelin’s injury.

Portugal v Netherlands - UEFA U21 Championship Playoff: Second Leg

Wenger has ordered scouts to keep a close watch on the highly-rated 18-year-old with the club willing to pay £12m up front with a further £10m’s worth of add-ons.

Chances of landing anyone other than the likes of an injured Kim Kallstrom will prove difficult in the January window, especially with Porto on the brink of qualifying for the next stage of this season’s Champions League.