Arsenal have taken a step closer towards signing Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on Transfer Deadline Day.
Arsenal are scrambling to bring in a new goalkeeper before the summer transfer window closes.
Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave Arsenal, as he is closing in on a switch to Southampton. The England international needs to depart the Emirates Stadium if he is to secure the regular game time he needs at this stage in his career.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta must secure a replacement for Ramsdale, as David Raya will require a back up option.
Neto #1 of AFC Bournemouth makes a save during the first half against Arsenal FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California.
Fabrizio Romano gives Arsenal fans Neto transfer update
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now given Arsenal supporters an update on where the Gunners stand in their pursuit of Neto.
Reporting on X, the journalist revealed: “Arsenal and Bournemouth have reached verbal agreement for Neto as backup goalkeeper.”
However, he also pointed out that completion of this deal hinges on one other factor.
Romano stated: “Deal will happen only if Arsenal will not be able to sign Joan García as Espanyol have rejected TWO bids today.
“Espanyol insist on release clause or nothing.”
Garcia is certainly Arteta’s preferred choice to replace Ramsdale at the Emirates Stadium. At 23-years-old, he represents a long-term investment too, who could perhaps one day fight to usurp Raya, rather than simply just provide a cover option.
The 35-year-old Neto, however, does not fit in with any such long-term vision and simply represents a stop-gap solution.
Will Arsenal sign Neto or Joan Garcia?
The financial implications of striking a deal for Garcia represent a problem for sporting director Edu Gaspar, as Arsenal will be required to pay his full release clause up front.
It will cost around £25 million to trigger Garcia’s release clause, and it could be the case that the Gunners would need Ramsdale’s sale to go through in time for the funds for his departure to be reinvested in the Espanyol ace.
It could be that time simply runs out for this chain of events to unfold.
Meanwhile, a far more affordable deal for Neto has clearly already been lined up.
Given the time pressures that Arsenal will face on Transfer Deadline Day, and the urgency of the situation – Arteta cannot afford to be without back up for Raya – it seems more likely that it will be the Bournemouth skipper coming to North London.
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