"He is going to come and play for Arsenal" - Boxing promoter asks Neymar Jr to join the Gunners
Queensberry Promotions founder and boxing promoter Frank Warren joked that Neymar Jr is coming to play for Premier League side Arsenal. Warren and Neymar Jr were seen in a video where the former jokingly asserted that the Al-Hilal man will join the Gunners.
Frank Warren is a lifelong Arsenal fan and wears his love for the north London side on his sleeve. Late in 2023, the boxing promoter also joked about Cristiano Ronaldo joining the Gunners.
The Riyadh 2024 season commenced on Saturday, October 12, and among the events was a light-heavyweight unification clash. Before action got underway, Neymar met boxing promoter Warren. Speaking to TNT Sports, Warren said while standing beside Neymar:
“This is the man. He’s coming to England. He’s going to come and play for Arsenal. When are you coming to Arsenal? We need you!”
Neymar Jr has played against Arsenal twice and has one goal and provided two assists against them. He faced the North London club in the UEFA Champions League when he was at Barcelona.
Can Neymar Jr. still play for Arsenal?
Although Frank Warren was clearly joking about Neymar Jr. joining Arsenal, Gunners legend Gilberto Silva has previously stated that he’d love to see the Al-Hilal man play for the north London side before he retires.
While Neymar’s footballing abilities are undeniable, his current situation could make his potential move to the north London club a pipedream. Since joining Al-Hilal in 2023, the Brazilian maestro has played just five games for the club across competitions.
The Brazilian winger was sidelined for a large chunk of last season due to injury and is yet to feature for the club this season. He will also turn 33 in February and has a long list of worrying injury issues.
Additionally, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has led a remarkable turnaround in the Gunners' fortunes in recent years, is known for nurturing young players. Under Arteta's leadership, the Gunners have targeted young talents and emphasized the need for proactive contribution off the ball. As such, Neymar might not fit the bill at Arteta's Arsenal.