Mikel Arteta is now leaning toward Arsenal prioritising signing Pedro Neto from Wolves over Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the January transfer window to help Bukayo Saka.

That is according to Football Transfers, which reports that Arteta believes Arsenal need Neto more than Toney. So, the Spaniard will tell Edu to favour a deal with Wolves over negotiating with Brentford if both become available. He accepts that the Gunners have a limited budget.

Arsenal spent big to assemble what they hope is a Premier League title-winning team during the summer. Stan Kroenke, Arsenal’s owner, sanctioned high-value deals for Kai Havertz and Declan Rice. While Jurrien Timber and David Raya also arrived at Emirates Stadium this year.

Arteta feels Arsenal need Neto’s transfer more than Toney’s

Yet while Arteta strengthened Arsenal’s midfield and defence, the injury problems that have plagued Saka have sparked a rethink. Now, Arteta sees Neto as his next big capture in north London. The Gunners boss is a long-term fan of the 23-year-old shining at Wolves this term.

But issues face any move Arteta makes for Neto as Arsenal only value his transfer at £40m in January. Wolves believe the winger is now worth around £70m, though, and Molineux chiefs could yet increase their asking price. They will reassess his value when the winter sales start.

Wolves believe Neto is consistently increasing his value having offered five assists and a goal in the Premier League season. Just James Maddison and Kieran Trippier have also made five assists in the top-flight this term. So, the Old Gold feel confident about their lofty valuation.

Neto can help Arteta to take some of the burden off Saka

Arteta wants Arsenal to target Neto’s transfer from Wolves, nonetheless, even if it means he cannot sign Toney from Brentford. Saka sustaining several injury problems already this term has convinced Arteta of his need for reinforcements to take the burden off the 22-year-old.

Saka took a heavy knock to his foot against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby. It also ensured he missed the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup. The winger then returned at AFC Bournemouth only to suffer another foot problem on the south coast.

While the issue he suffered at Dean Court did not see Saka miss any games, he developed a hamstring injury at RC Lens in the Champions League. That then saw him miss Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City. Saka also remains a doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea this week.

So, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah natural strikers with extra cover from Havertz and Leandro Trossard, Arteta senses Arsenal can make do without signing Toney in January. The Spaniard does appreciate the striker but feels Neto’s switch solves a much greater problem.

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