Arsenal kept an eye on Pedro Neto for years, but then gave up London rivals Chelsea a clear run on the Wolves forward due to Mikel Arteta's concerns, according to reports.
Chelsea continued their extraordinary spending spree by Neto signed from Wolves for £54m last week.
Neto, who signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, was introduced to fans during last weekend's pre-season friendly against Inter Milan.
The 24-year-old spent five seasons at Wolves, impressing and developing into one of the club's most important players despite a few injuries.
Neto was a long term goal for Arsenal It was therefore a surprise that Chelsea managed to secure his signature quickly, without much competition.
Arsenal's owners are keen to strengthen Arteta's squad at the Emirates Stadium as they look to mount another title challenge, but ESPN saying the Gunners boss was distant towards Neto because of his injury history.
It's Neto's injury history that has the Manchester United legend convinced Roy Keane: Portugal international will flop at Stamford Bridge.
When former Arsenal striker Ian Wright suggested that Neto could be one of the summer signings, Keane said on The overlap of Sky Betting: 'No! He's always injured! F*** sake. He's like [Luke] Jack.
“He'll add to the chaos. He'll add to the chaos. He'll run all over the place and then be on the treatment table for six months with a hamstring injury.”
Neto joins Chelsea, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues Enzo Maresca poached from Championship winners Leicester City after Pochettino's departure.
“It's a big club, with big ambitions,” Neto said Official Chelsea website after his move from Wolves.
“I know the history of the club. I'm really looking forward to meeting my teammates, meeting the staff and meeting everyone because I want to make history with the club.
“It's a young team with really talented players. I played against Chelsea last year and I know the team we have. I can't wait to meet them and work with them because we can do great things.”
Asked about his favourite position, Neto replied: 'I like to play in the three positions up front.
'At Wolves I played more on the wings, but I also like playing inside, I have no preference.
'I hope I can bring work, I hope I can bring confidence to the team, that I can bring victories, goals and assists, and that I can give everything to make everyone here happy.
“I want to do my best, help the team achieve their goals and put Chelsea where they belong: at the top,” Neto promised.
“My expectations for myself are always high. The expectations here are high, so I'm looking forward to showing people why I'm here and that I deserve to be at the highest level.”
For more stories like this, Check out our sports page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter And Instagram.
MORE : Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag explains two key reasons behind Noussair Mazraoui's arrival
MORE : Erik ten Hag makes disturbing confession ahead of Manchester United's Premier League opener
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy And Terms of Service apply.