Neto is reportedly edging closer to leaving Barcelona in the summer transfer window, with Arsenal being his likeliest destination.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, as relayed by Sport Witness, Neto is almost certain to leave Barcelona to embark on a new adventure in the summer transfer window. And the next destination for the out-of-favour Brazilian goalkeeper appears to be Arsenal.
Neto has joined Barcelona from Valencia in July 2019, with then-Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen replacing him at the Mestalla. But the 32-year-old has ended up committing one of the poorer decisions of his career, as he has played second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The Brazilian shot-stopper has had to suffice with cup outings and rare appearances in La Liga and UEFA Champions League, with his situation leaving him frustrated. Neto has turned out just 21 times for Barcelona, keeping seven clean sheets. And the veteran goalkeeper is keen on leaving Barcelona this summer to seek regular game-time, with Arsenal among his prospective suitors.
Arsenal will likely delve into the market for a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with Bernd Leno destined to depart from the Emirates. The German goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order since Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival from Sheffield United last year, going from the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper to the backup in a matter of weeks.
Leno will seek a summer departure from Arsenal amid links with Fulham, Benfica and several Bundesliga clubs, prompting the north Londoners to scour the market for a goalkeeper. Neto has thus emerged as a viable target for the Gunners, with the Barcelona goalkeeper approaching Arsenal, according to SPORT.
Barcelona will unlikely stand in Neto’s way either, with recent reports claiming they are ready to accept any offer to get him off their books. Such a situation gives Arsenal the impetus to launch the offensive for the experienced Brazilian goalkeeper.
But Neto’s prospects are unlikely to improve at Arsenal, considering he wants to feature week in, week out at his next club. With Ramsdale the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Arsenal, the Barcelona outcast will need to produce something special to usurp the English international. On top of that, Arsenal have also signed Matt Turner from the MLS, so how they plan to use Neto remains to be seen.
