Arsenal reportedly exploring a move for Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto after identifying him as potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale replacement.
Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto.
The Gunners strengthened their goalkeeping department player this summer when they converted David Raya‘s loan move into a permanent transfer.
The Spain international has locked down the number-one spot after displacing Aaron Ramsdale in the opening stages of last season.
As a result, Ramsdale is keen to leave the Emirates Stadium before the transfer deadline as he looks to gain regular playing time elsewhere.
Ramsdale is on the verge of completing a £25m move to Southampton after undergoing a medical with the Saints on Thursday.
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Arsenal agree deal to sign Ramsdale replacement
However, the Gunners need to sign a replacement before they can sanction Ramsdale’s move before the summer transfer deadline.
Arsenal were pushing to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but the Catalan side have been holding out for the player’s €30m (£21m).
As a result, talks ultimately stalled between the two clubs, forcing the Gunners to turn their attention to alternative targets.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have on the brink of signing Neto after reached a agreement with Bournemouth over a season-long loan deal.
The agreement does not include any buy option and Neto is set to undergo a medical on deadline day before he is unveiled as a new Arsenal player.
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Neto set to swap the South Coast for North London
The Bournemouth captain has made 63 competitive appearances since joining the Cherries from Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
Neto, who is under contract until June 2026, has started all three of Bournemouth’s competitive matches this season, including Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against West Ham United in the second round of the EFL Cup.
However, he was set to face competition from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who recently arrived from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.
With Neto set to depart, Andoni Iraola will be left with Arrizabalaga and Mark Travers as his main two goalkeeping options.
In addition to Bournemouth and Barcelona, Neto has also represented Athletico Paranaense, Fiorentina, Juventus and Valencia during his career.