As per a report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are in talks with Barcelona over a transfer move for goalkeeper Neto.
The 31-year-old joined the Catalan giants in the summer of 2019 from Valencia and has become a back-up for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. The Brazilian has plenty of experience playing across Europe, having also featured for Fiorentina and Juventus.
According to the report, the Gunners are interested in the shot-stopper and have already initiated talks with his agent. There is competition from fellow Premier League club Everton, but Arsenal are in ‘pole position’.
Mikel Arteta is reportedly a fan of the keeper for his ability to play out from the back and feels the Brazilian will be an ‘ideal’ singing. Mundo Deportivo also claim that the keeper wanted to join the club in January, but the north London club failed to find an agreement.
The report further states that even if Bernd Leno were to stay, Neto is expected to come in and push the German to be the first choice.
Arsenal Fever View
The Gunners do need another keeper at the Emirates following news that Alex Runarsson is set to depart to Turkey. With Leno returning after international duty in a few weeks, there is no senior keeper in the squad at the moment.
The signing of Neto is one that makes sense due to the wealth of experience that the Brazilian has amassed. And as mentioned, the 31-year-old is comfortable on the ball which makes building attacks much easier.
It remains to be seen what kind of deal the north Londoners would want for the Brazil international. It would be better off if this was a loan as it leaves the club room to buy someone younger on a permanent basis later on.
Arteta will be hoping that the signing of a new keeper goes better this time around after Runarsson failed to make an impression. The Icelandic stopper didn’t fit in at the Emirates club and was sent out on loan with Mat Ryan coming in on a temporary basis. In Neto, Arsenal are targeting an accomplished goalkeeper who will suit the style of play Arteta prefers. This is one transfer that will add some much-needed depth to the squad.
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