Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves has become one of most sought after prospects
Manchester United and Arsenal are set to battle it out this summer for Portuguese wonderkid Joao Neves.
Benfica's 19-year-old star has drawn attention from scouts across Europe, with further footballing powerhouses tempted by his reported £103million release clause.
A move to the Premier League would give Neves the opportunity to continue his growth and follow in the footsteps of other Benfica academy graduates such as Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Ederson.
The release clause would make Neves one of the most expensive English signings ever, just shy of the £106.8 million spent by Chelsea on Enzo Fernandez in 2023.
Here, Mail Sport looks at what Neves could offer should he complete a move to the club this summer.
Born in southern Portugal, Neves trained at Casa Benfica Tavira, one of the Portuguese giant's feeder clubs, before moving to the main academy in 2016.
He received his first professional contract aged 16 and was a key part of Benfica's victorious UEFA Youth League side in 2022, claiming the club's first European title in 60 years.
He signed a new six-year contract in December 2022, making his senior debut on New Year's Day 2023 against Braga.
Following Enzo Fernandez's departure during the January transfer window, Neves gradually cemented his place in the first team, scoring his first goal in the Derby de Lisboa against Sporting CP.
Neves made his Champions League debut aged 18 against Club Brugge in March 2023, providing an assist for their fifth goal.
He began to draw the attention of scouts and his compatriots in winning Primeira Liga's midfielder of the month for four consecutive months between September and December.
These performances brought him a well-deserved international call-up, coming off the bench for the
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