In a recent development, reports indicate that Arsenal have come to terms with Bournemouth to secure the services of goalkeeper Neto.
The Gunners had previously bolstered their goalkeeping ranks by making David Raya’s loan move permanent earlier in the summer. The Spain international has solidified his position as the number-one goalkeeper, displacing Aaron Ramsdale in the early stages of the previous season.
Ramsdale, looking for consistent playing time, is eager to depart from the Emirates Stadium before the transfer window closes. It appears that the English goalkeeper is on the cusp of finalizing a £25m transfer to Southampton after undergoing a medical with the Saints on Thursday.
With Ramsdale’s potential departure looming, Arsenal find themselves in need of a replacement before they can allow the transfer to go through. The club had been in negotiations with Espanyol for goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but talks hit a standstill as the Spanish side held out for €30m (£21m).
As a result, the Gunners shifted their focus to other targets, with The Athletic reporting that Arsenal are close to securing Neto on a season-long loan deal from Bournemouth. The deal does not include an option to buy, and Neto is expected to undergo a medical examination on deadline day before being officially unveiled as an Arsenal player.
Neto, who joined Bournemouth from Barcelona in 2022, has amassed 63 appearances for the club and has featured in all three of their competitive matches this season. However, with the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea, Neto was set to face competition for the starting goalkeeper spot.
His impending departure would leave Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola with Arrizabalaga and Mark Travers as his primary goalkeeping options. The Bournemouth captain’s move to North London signifies a new chapter in his career as he looks to make a mark at Arsenal.
