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Arsenal have been alerted that Ruben Neves may be available for a loan deal in January.
The Portuguese international only joined Saudi side Al-Hilal from Wolves in the summer, but he is already being linked with a return to the Premier League.
Newcastle United wanted to take him on loan to cover for the suspended Sandro Tonali, but that plan could be scuppered by new Premier League rules designed to prevent loan deals between related parties because of the possibility this could undermine FFP rules.
The Gunners have identified central midfield as an area that needs strengthening in the January window, with Thomas Partey yet again facing a period on the sidelines after collecting the latest in a series of injuries.
Since joining Al Hilal Neves has played 17 games, scoring twice and providing one assist and has been an integral member of Portugal’s Euro squad.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.