In a different world, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves might actually be playing for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
Neves was lined up as Thomas Partey’s replacement last summer according to reports, but the midfielder ultimately joined PSG’s rebuild instead of Arsenal.
And after watching the two sides duel in their Champions League semi-final, it’s hard to argue with Neves’ choice.
The Portugal international embodies everything good about Luis Enrique’s side — he’s got a deft touch, brilliant determination to win the ball back and also bags of potential.
The days of Neymar strolling around the Parc des Princes are well and truly over, and this young and hungry PSG side made another clear statement against Arsenal.
Joao Neves shares his Arsenal verdict
That being said, Neves actually gave his honest thoughts about Arsenal following full-time in Paris.
The 20-year-old delivered another performance way beyond his years — a midfielder who should challenge the likes of Rodri and Declan Rice for the crown of Europe’s best middle man in the years to come.
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But in terms of what he thought of Arsenal, Neves labelled Mikel Arteta’s side as a ‘very strong team’, even if he thought the Parisiens did deserve to win.
Neves said: “We are very happy to be here in the Champions League final. Very important for us to find the victory and we have the chance to go for a Champions League title.
“Arsenal are a very strong team, lots of individual quality and as a team. But I think we were the better team.
“We will continue like that, work hard and stick to our game plan. I think that’s the best way for us to play, it’s our football and that’s how we found the win. We are confident.”
Mikel Arteta needs to make changes to his midfield
In truth, Partey struggled against PSG — he didn’t deliver the tie-changing performance that many were hoping for.
And perhaps that display delineated why Arsenal want to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi is presumably intended to come in and sit as Arsenal’s new number six, allowing Rice to continue further forward.
And given Arsenal plan to buy a striker, it’s also believed that Kai Havertz will drop into midfield more often next season too.
An important summer for Andrea Berta and Arteta to get right, and they would surely love to recruit a player who had even half of the potential of Neves at PSG.
