Arsenal and Bournemouth have reportedly sealed the agreement over a surprise loan move for 35-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Neto.
According to a report by James McNicholas and David Ornstein on The Athletic, Neto has been the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners set their sights on the Bournemouth captain due to an impasse in the talks to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol. The Premier League heavyweights have now secured an agreement to sign the 35-year-old goalkeeper on a season-long loan deal.
Neto and his exploits for Bournemouth
Neto has been one of the most dependable goalkeepers in the Premier League since joining Bournemouth from Barcelona on a free transfer in August 2022. The Premier League outfit appointed the veteran goalkeeper as the club captain a few months after his arrival, and he has proven worthy of the stature.
The 35-year-old has turned out 63 times thus far for Bournemouth while keeping 13 clean sheets and conceding 99 goals. However, despite letting in nearly 100 times, the experienced shot-stopper has been one of the most reliable performers for the Premier League club in the last two seasons.
Despite Neto’s consistency, his position as the first-choice goalkeeper for Bournemouth has been under threat after Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived at the Vitality Stadium from Chelsea on Thursday. Arsenal sensed the opportunity to pounce and opened talks with the Cherries regarding a season-long loan deal for the Brazilian goalkeeper.
London calling
Arsenal’s interest in Neto is understandable. The Gunners have been keen on signing a goalkeeper to be David Raya’s deputy amid widespread rumours linking Aaron Ramsdale with a summer departure. The England international is on the verge of joining Southampton in a deal worth £25 million before Friday’s summer transfer deadline.
So, it is hardly surprising that the Gunners have scoured the market for a potential replacement for Ramsdale, with Joan Garcia emerging as the top target. Personal terms were never an issue for either party, but Arsenal’s reluctance to pay €30 million to sign the Spaniard has led to an impasse in talks with Espanyol. The Bournemouth captain thus emerged as an alternative, with the two clubs sealing an agreement.
The report has revealed that Arsenal will secure Neto’s services on a season-long loan move, with the agreement not including a purchase option or obligation clause. So, the 35-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper will return to Bournemouth next summer when Arsenal might re-enter the goalkeeper’s market.
