Wolves desperate to keep 'huge talent'

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Wolves: Wanderers want to keep hold of Pedro Neto this summer

By Will Seager

Published Aug 20, 2022

Wolverhampton Wanderers want to keep hold of star attacker Pedro Neto this summer amid transfer interest, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Wolverhampton Wanderers want to keep hold of star attacker Pedro Neto this summer amid increasing transfer interest, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest

According to a report by 90min, Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have been made aware by intermediaries that the 22-year-old could be available at the right price, resulting in their consequent interest.

The Portugal international made just 13 top-flight appearances last season after suffering from a serious knee injury, but the five goals and six assists the campaign before clearly illustrate his ability to perform at the highest level.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones believes Wolves are clear in their stance that they would like to keep Neto at the Molineux this summer, having proven to be a crucial part of Bruno Lage’s setup.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the transfer insider claimed:

“I don’t think they want to [sell]. I don’t think they want to lose anyone of that quality at this point. They’re aware of interest around him, but ultimately, unless it was a ridiculous amount of money, I just don’t think that they’re going to let him go.”

The Verdict: Keep him at all costs…

With Raul Jimenez only just returning from injury and with Fabio Silva having left the club on loan for the season, Wolves are without an out-and-out striker to rely on.

And Neto has been utilised in versatile roles up top for Lage’s side, alongside Daniel Podence.

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As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 22-year-old ranks in the 88^th percentile for progressive carries, in the 86^th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty and in the 84^th percentile for shots total, so to lose him from a side already struggling for attacking threat would be devastating.

Previously labelled a ‘huge talent’ by BBC pundit Alan Shearer, it is no wonder the Wanderers are so desperate to keep hold of Neto this summer, given he could prove to be instrumental for the west Midlands side this season.