Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on loan as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, according to reports.
The Gunners are keen to recruit a new No.2 as back-up for their main ‘keeper David Raya after agreeing a £25m deal to sell Ramsdale to Southampton.
Espanyol ‘keeper Joan Garcia remains the preferred option for the north Londoners – but the Cherries’ Brazilian star Neto could be a much quicker fix – with The Athletic reporting that Arsenal have ‘hit an impasse’ over Garcia talks.
The move for Neto is likely to get the go-ahead, given that Bournemouth recently signed Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea and currently have three ‘keepers.
Kepa will replace Neto as Bournemouth’s new No.1 choice – and with talented Irishman Mark Travers also in their ranks – they are now likely to let Neto depart.
Bournemouth signed Brazil international Neto from Barcelona in 2022 but it looks like the 35-year-old may now be swapping the south coast for north London.
The move is likely to move at a quick pace, with Arsenal desperate to bring in a replacement before they sign the paperwork to allow Ramsdale to leave.
Who else could Arsenal sign before the summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday?
Analysis from Metro.co.uk Assistant Sports Editor Louis Sealey…
Largely content with a squad that has secured back-to-back second-place finishes in the Premier League and emerged as Manchester City’s biggest rivals for the title, Arsenal made a subdued start to the summer window.
They brought in Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori after his brief but impressive spell at Euro 2024 and turned David Raya’s loan stint from Brentford into a permanent deal.
Midfielder Mikel Merino became Arsenal’s third summer signing earlier this week, joining from Real Sociedad in a deal that could reach £32m.
The only gaps in Arsenal’s squad appear to in the final third, with doubts persisting over Kai Havertz’s ability to lead the line for a title-winning side and Bukayo Saka in need of support on the right flank.
That is the position Arsenal could yet look to strengthen before the deadline, though signing a new winger would be dependent on sales.
If Arsenal do decide to sign a new striker – as has been suggested by several pundits – Toney is a player who has been touted as a possible target.
Speaking after Arsenal’s opening Premier League win over Wolves, Mikel Arteta suggested the club would not be signing a new frontman this summer, though the Spaniard’s stance appeared to change after Gabriel Jesus’ recent injury setback.
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