It has just emerged, that Arsenal are desperate to sign ‘one of the best’ midfielders on the continent, according to a recent report.

The North Londoners ended the season in second place, missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City – who won their fourth successive one, a new record in English football.

Mikel Arteta and Edu will already be drawing up plans for the fast-approaching transfer window to go one better next term.

With that said, they’re already being linked with a highly-rated midfielder.

• READ MORE: ‘World class” £128m Arsenal target has just been named his league’s Player of the Season

Mikel Arteta ‘would love’ to sign Joao Neves

According to Sportlens, Arsenal ‘would love’ to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this summer transfer window.

Neves, who is considered ‘one of the best’ midfielders in Europe, is also attracting interest from Manchester United.

The report further claims that a move to The Gunners is ‘unlikely’ as Benfica are desperate to retain the 19-year-old.

The Portuguese outfit want to keep him for at least another season and it’s possible he’ll be rewarded with a new contract.

Perhaps the only way to pry him away would be to activate his £87m release clause.

• READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano says Saudi clubs are trying to sign ‘unbelievable’ striker who Arsenal want

Arsenal should look elsewhere

It’s become pretty evident, that Arsenal will have to outlay a substantial sum of cash to land Neves’ signature this summer.

So perhaps it’s best they look elsewhere and focus on cheaper alternatives, as they have other priority positions to bring in, too, particularly up front.

Martin Zubamendi has been heavily rumoured to join the Emirates outfit and his £53m price tag is significantly cheaper.

• READ MORE: £47m Manchester United player says he was in talks to join Arsenal in 2015