Arsenal are reportedly in talks to sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto as Aaron Ramsdale’s replacement.
The Gunners are on the lookout for a new No.2 to back up David Raya with Ramsdale set to sign for Southampton in a £25m deal (for BBC Sports).
Ramsdale was a regular in his first two seasons at the Emirates, making 78 appearances in all competitions during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns combined.
However, the five-time England international was relegated to substitute status following Raya’s arrival on loan from Brentford last summer, making just 11 appearances in all competitions and just six in the Premier League.
With Raya’s loan made permanent, there was little chance of Ramsdale’s situation improving, so the 26-year-old will now look to get his career back on track at St. Mary’s.
Arsenal are eyeing two possible replacements for Ramsdale
Of course, 11 games can still be enough to define a season, so Arsenal will need to move quickly on deadline day to bring in an experienced back-up goalkeeper who can adequately cover and challenge Raya.
according to Sky Sports Reporters Mark McAdam and Dharmesh Sheth Neto has become the Gunners’ top target following a previous pursuit of Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, although two goalkeepers could be signed before the transfer window closes.
“Arsenal and Bournemouth are currently in talks over a potential deal for goalkeeper Neto,” their report claims.
“This comes on the heels of Aaron Ramsdale’s departure from the Emirates and Mikel Arteta’s desire to secure competition for the number one shirt.
“The 35-year-old has a two-year contract at the Vitality Stadium and has started all three games to start the 2024/25 campaign.
“Arsenal had previously been working on a deal for Joan Garcia from Espanyol, which has not been ruled out, but Neto seems more likely.
“Two goalkeepers could arrive on deadline day.”
Neto has played 63 times in all competitions since joining Bournemouth from Barcelona in 2022, including three times at the start of this season.
However, following the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea, the former Brazil international is unlikely to remain the Cherries’ No.1 this season, meaning a move to the Emirates may look much more attractive to at the age of 35. old man
