"Would be a massive, massive loss" - Journalist drops Wolves exit claim after big Lage admission

Wolverhampton Wanderers will suffer a ‘massive loss’ if Arsenal target Ruben Neves seals his Molineux departure in the summer, according to journalist Josh Holland.

Wolves broke their transfer record when they forked out £15.8million to sign Neves from Porto close to five years ago, but there are serious concerns that he could leave his current employers before next season gets underway.

According to The Sun, Wolves have opened contract talks in an attempt to keep Neves out of Arsenal’s clutches.

The report suggests Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has set his sights on bolstering his midfield options and the 26-cap Portugal international features high on his wish-list.

Wolves are desperate to tie Neves down to fresh terms as his current agreement, worth £50,000-per-week, is set to expire in the summer of 2024.

Head coach Bruno Lage has also attempted to deter suitors by boldly claiming the 25-year-old is worth £100million.

But that has not stopped Barcelona showing an interest as they have even gone as far as to hold talks with the midfielder’s intermediaries ahead of potentially heading to the negotiating table with Wolves when the transfer window reopens.

Italian media outlet Calciomercato have revealed Juventus are also hoping to welcome Neves to Serie A, so Wolves may find it difficult as they attempt to convince him to remain in the West Midlands beyond the end of the season.

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Holland believes Neves’ Molineux exit would come as a major blow for Wolves and head coach Lage.

The journalist feels performances in the central midfielder’s absence have shown how difficult it has been to fill the void left when he has been unavailable.

When asked whether links