Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Neto from Barcelona on a loan deal this month, with an option to buy him in the summer.
According to Sky Sports, Neto has emerged on the radar of Arsenal over a possible move in the January transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights are eager to sign the Brazilian from Barcelona on loan this month, with an option to purchase him on a permanent basis in the summer window.
Neto joined Barcelona from Valencia in the summer of 2019, replacing Jasper Cillessen, who made his way to the Mestalla. The Brazilian goalkeeper has indeed filled the exact spot that Cillessen had occupied, becoming Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s deputy for the goalkeeping spot at Camp Nou.
Naturally, game-time has come at a premium for the 31-year-old, although he has filled in ably for the Barcelona no. 1 whenever given a chance to impress. Till date, Neto has made 14 appearances for the Catalan giants, keeping 5 clean sheets while letting in just 14 goals. The experienced goalkeeper has now emerged on the radar of Arsenal.
Arsenal bolstered their goalkeeping department just this past summer, signing Icelandic goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson from Dijon. The 25-year-old, though, has not quite managed to impress despite a decent debut and seems to be out of his depth at the Emirates; so much so, that Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to rest Bernd Leno even against unheralded opposition.
Arsenal’s predicament has further been worsened by the exploits of Emiliano Martinez, who joined Aston Villa in the summer and has since been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. As a result, the speculation surrounding the goalkeeping department has resurfaced at Arsenal.
Reports have suggested that the Gunners are ready to loan Runarsson out this month. However, before that, they will understandably need to sign a replacement, which is why the links with Barcelona custodian Neto make sense.
As per the update by Sky Sports, Arsenal want to sign the 31-year-old on a loan deal with the option of purchasing him from Barcelona on a permanent basis in the summer. The Blaugrana are, in turn, demanding a fee in excess of £18.6 million, which could be a stumbling block. For now, the deal is hanging in the balance and it remains to be seen if Arsenal launch the offensive for Neto this month.
