Arsenal have reportedly dropped their interest in Pedro Neto after news of the seriousness of the Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker's ankle issue.
The Gunners were linked with the Portugal international during the summer transfer window and were believed to be considering moving for him at the start of 2023.
However, according to The Express, the North London club will now not be signing for the forward during the January transfer window.
The report claims that Arsenal will instead have to look elsewhere, as head coach Mikel Arteta is determined to boost his options in the wide areas for the second half of the campaign.
Neto was forced off in the early stages of his side's 2-0 defeat to West Ham United at the start of the month after picking up an ankle injury.
© Reuters
On Friday, Wolves released a statement confirming that the Portuguese would need to undergo an ankle operation, which will rule him out of the 2022 World Cup.
"The Wolves medical team have issued an update on Pedro Neto after he sustained an ankle injury against West Ham United," read the statement.
"The 22-year-old was forced off in the first half of the defeat, and specialists this week have confirmed that the injury requires surgery."
Meanwhile, a further update from the club's medical team read: "Pedro sustained an ankle injury against West Ham on Saturday where he strained the lateral ligaments.
"Following further evaluation and a specialist opinion this week, it is planned for him to undergo surgery. This means that, unfortunately, he will not be fit for the upcoming World Cup.
© Reuters
Neto moved to Wolves from Braga in 2019, and he has represented the English side on 101 occasions in all competitions, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists in the process.
The attacker still has another five years left to run on his contract at Molineux, placing the club in a strong position to keep hold of him on a long-term basis.
Arsenal boosted their attack over the summer with the arrivals of Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos, but Arteta is said to be keen to add another winger due to the loan departure of Nicolas Pepe to Nice.
Wolves have not provided a timeframe for Neto's recovery, but it is likely that he could be available for selection in the early stages of 2023 providing that his rehabilitation goes as planned.
Matt Law
