Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan deal. This move comes as the Gunners look to strengthen their goalkeeping department.
Earlier this summer, Arsenal bolstered their goalkeeping options by converting David Raya’s loan move into a permanent transfer. Raya has since secured the number-one spot, displacing Aaron Ramsdale in the early part of last season. As a result, Ramsdale is eager to leave the Emirates Stadium to secure regular playing time elsewhere.
Ramsdale is on the verge of completing a £25 million transfer to Southampton, having undergone a medical with the Saints on Thursday. However, Arsenal need to secure a replacement before finalizing Ramsdale’s departure before the transfer deadline.
Initially, Arsenal targeted Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but negotiations stalled as the Catalan side insisted on a €30 million (£21 million) fee. Consequently, Arsenal shifted their focus to other options.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are now close to finalizing a deal for Neto, following an agreement with Bournemouth for a season-long loan. The deal does not include a buy option, and Neto is expected to undergo a medical on deadline day before being officially unveiled as an Arsenal player.
Neto, who has been with Bournemouth since the summer of 2022, has made 63 competitive appearances for the Cherries. Under contract until June 2026, he has started all three of Bournemouth’s competitive matches this season, including Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham United in the EFL Cup. However, he faces competition from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who recently joined Bournemouth from Chelsea on a season-long loan.
With Neto’s impending departure, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will have Kepa Arrizabalaga and Mark Travers as his primary goalkeeping options.
Neto’s career also includes stints at Athletico Paranaense, Fiorentina, Juventus, and Valencia.
