30 July 2023 , 16:40
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Former Arsenal star Julio Baptista has suggested that a move for Brazil forward Neymar could be “key” to the Gunners ending their wait for the Premier League crown.
The North London side went toe-to-toe with eventual treble winners Manchester City last term but came unstuck at the final hurdle. Mikel Arteta and Edu have been hard at work bolstering the side ahead of the 2023/24 season.
They have already spent around £200m so far this summer with the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. Arsenal could set to spend even more with the likes of David Raya and Mohammed Kudus reportedly among their targets.
However, Baptista believes that a swoop for PSG star Neymar would be ideal for the Gunners to achieve their objectives this term. Asked by GOAL on behalf of Gambling Zone if Arsenal could be contenders for his signature, he replied: “Why not? Arsenal is one of the best clubs in Europe. We know that the last eight or so years, Arsenal have not produced their best or been as competitive.
“But now, with Arteta, Arsenal have something different. They have started to construct something powerful. Why not? Maybe this could be the key.
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“In Brazil we say that you have the house, you have everything, and you just need the key to open it. Maybe Neymar is the key to open and complete everything at Arsenal. He is an incredible player.”
Neymar has been urged to quit PSG this summer (Getty Images)Would Neymar be a good signing for Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Whilst Arsenal haven’t been linked with Neymar at this stage - and a deal in the next month looking highly unlikely - he would become the latest in a long line of Brazilians in North London. The Gunners already have Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos all at their disposal.
Baptista has claimed that the four would help Neymar settle immediately at the Emirates should he decide to move this summer. He added: “For sure. But more than that, I think the league would help him. If he is thinking about moving, then I think the best league for him would be the English league.”
Neymar has a decision to make over his PSG future. He has continually been linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes. The former Barcelona star has just two years remaining on his current contract and has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea in the past. However, PSG might take a tough stance over selling him this summer.
They have already bid farewell to World Cup winner Lionel Messi - the Argentine joining MLS side Inter Miami at the end of his contract. Uncertainty also shrouds Kylian Mbappe's future in the French capital.
The forward has refused to pen a new deal with the club and was expected to leave. PSG had accepted a mega-money offer from Saudi outfit Al-Hilal, only for Mbappe to fail to engage in talks. Neymar, a five-time Ligue 1 winner, scored 18 goals and provided 17 assists in all competitions last season on the way to another domestic crown.