Arsenal have again been linked with a move for Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners were said to be keen to sign Neves back in the summer of 2021, although the Portuguese international ended up staying at Wolverhampton Wanderers instead, finally leaving Molineux a little under four months ago, completing a mega-money £47million move to Saudi Arabia.

But now, talksport have reported that Arsenal Sporting Director Edu remains an admirer of the experienced holding midfielder, with the north London outfit looking to recruit someone new in the centre of the park following Thomas Partey's recent injury setback. The 26-year-old has previously garnered praise from some of football's biggest names, including the likes of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

"He’s an excellent player," Guardiola said of Neves back in 2019 when discussing Wolves' system at the time. "It involves playing with two holding midfielders – not just one – but he’s an excellent player."

Similarly, former Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte has also hailed the Portuguese midfielder's ability. Speaking ahead of a game against Wolves last season, the Italian said: "It means that they have a lot of ambition, I have a great respect for Wolverhampton and their players, Ruben Neves and many, many good players with a good coach.

"I give great respect to them because they are doing very well and for sure the game will be difficult for us." Arsenal have been linked with a host of midfielders ahead of the January transfer window and football.london understands that one of the players that they are looking at is Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

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The Spanish international has been of interest for a while now and has a €60million release clause in his contract. However, it is thought that he is happy at Sociedad and not looking to move in January as things stand.