Pedro Neto - The Rundown.

22 Year old Wolves winger Pedro Neto is now confirmed to be Arsenal’s ‘mystery winger’ and top target as per reports this morning.

Pedro Neto is a left footed, versatile winger, who has really caught the eye since leaving Braga in 2019.

One of the wonder boys best attributes is his directness & fearlessness partnered with his close control. Pretty similar to Martinelli in that regard, Neto is a nightmare to face against for any kind of opponent. A very tricky winger who can go in and out, with good combination play.

Neto likes to pick the ball up from deep and drive at opponents to gain territory in the game, with 8.44 progressive carries per 90. Pedro is also a very forward thinking player albeit in systems which didn’t benefit him, with 7.54 progressive passes per 90 (fbref).

Despite a really unfortunate knee injury which kept him out for 10 months, the forwards game doesn’t seem to have been too affected, with his natural qualities still showing the same.

Aside from being ever present in big games such as Liverpool, Chelsea & Arsenal themselves, Neto is a very good finisher. The 22 year old is very proactive in front of goal, being a high volume shooter with 2.68 shots total, and always trying to make things happen with 4.09 shot creating actions (fbref).

One of my favourite aspects of Neto’s game which makes him so ideal across the front line is his ball retention & high pressing game. So secure with the ball, great decision making, which is perfectly suited for Arteta’s system, where many times the likes of Saka & Martinelli would have to pick the ball on the touch line & retain with 2+ players around.

A versatile, young, Portuguese speaking, ‘Premier League proven’ player with a vast skillset, brilliant movement, excellent in transition, without pressure to do everything, a perfect system fit, among much, more with the price reported at 50m.

A recipe for success, which will take his game to another level, should the move come to fruition.