Barcelona goalkeeper Neto is reportedly on his way out of Camp Nou this summer with Arsenal emerging as the most likely destination for the Brazilian.
According to a report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal have emerged as the leading candidates to secure the signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Neto in the ongoing transfer window.
Neto has been with Barcelona for two years now having arrived from Valencia to replace Jasper Cillessen who went the other way to Mestalla. The 31-year-old has hardly been afforded any game-time at Camp Nou with Marc-Andre ter Stegen firmly occupying the spot between the sticks. As a result, he has managed to feature just a meagre 17 times in his two seasons at the club.
Neto, as per the report, was pushing for an exit during the January transfer window itself and remains intent on leaving now as well. Premier League bigwigs Arsenal were interested in him back in the winter but failed to reach an agreement over a transfer. However, the Gunners are now planning a renewed attempt to land the former Juventus and Valencia goalkeeper in the current transfer window.
The goalkeeping situation at Arsenal is a bit of an issue given as first-choice Bernd Leno has made some errors while also being linked with an exit this summer, with two years left on his contract. Last summer saw the north Londoners sign Icelandic international Runar Alex Runarsson as cover for the German but he failed to make the desired impression, forcing the club to bring in Mat Ryan on loan in January.
While the Australian had been linked with a permanent transfer, he is headed for La Liga with Real Sociedad close to signing him. This has seen Arsenal identify other goalkeeping targets such as Aaron Ramsdale of Sheffield United as well as West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone, with Neto also seemingly back on their radars.
The Brazilian, according to the report, is also being targeted by Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Everton while there also seems to be some interest from AS Roma in Italy. However, the Gunners are now being said to be leading the chase for the Barcelona star with Mikel Arteta seeing him as a viable option for the team, having been impressed with his footwork which would aid them to build play from the back.
A new goalkeeper certainly seems to be on the agenda for Arsenal. However, whether it is Neto that they end up signing remains to be seen. The Brazilian, however, may have played his last game for Barcelona and is widely expected to be on his way out of Camp Nou.
