Arsenal star hails teammate who has blocked his own progress under Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal restructured their goalkeeper department in the recent summer transfer window. 

Having fallen down the pecking order last season, Aaron Ramsdale was allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium, joining Southampton.

As David Raya’s loan switch from Brentford was turned into a permanent move, he became truly established as the Arsenal No. 1.

However, Mikel Arteta still required back up for the Spanish shot-stopper. Several potential goalkeeper signings were considered. 

Arsenal pursued Joan Garcia, but were unable to prise the 23-year-old away from Espanyol. 

Ultimately, erstwhile Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar forced through a move for Neto, who arrived in North London on loan from Bournemouth.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s David Raya from his girlfriend to tattoo

Neto explains decision to sign for Arsenal

Neto is yet to make his debut for the Gunners. He is cup-tied in the EFL Cup, meaning he cannot feature for Arsenal in that competition, and he is very much behind Raya in the pecking order when it comes to Premier League and Champions League fixtures. 

Given the 35-year-old former Barcelona man was a first choice pick for the Cherries last season, he has accepted a huge downgrade in terms of game time. Though, the Brazilian will have understood that this was the likely outcome when he accepted a move to Arsenal.

Speaking to The Mirror, Neto has now explained why he made the move anyway. 

He said: “In football, it’s no different to in another career – you always want to get as high as possible. It was a good opportunity, for me Arsenal is a massive club, so I took it.”

What Neto really thinks of David Raya

There is always competition between goalkeepers, and Neto will be doing all he can behind the scenes to push for an opportunity to play. 

However, Raya has been in sensational form for Arsenal this season, and his improvement may partly be due to the fact that his place in the side doesn’t feel under threat. 

Last season, plenty of Arsenal fans wanted Arteta to restore Ramsdale to the team, which will have increased the pressure on Raya to perform. 

The Spain international can now relax somewhat, and feel comfortable and assured in his role in the squad.

Meanwhile, Neto has given his verdict on the first choice Arsenal goalkeeper, saying: “He’s very good. He’s also a very nice guy. It’s very easy because we speak the same language so we always recognise the effort of each other and there is always respect between us.

“When you go to the biggest clubs, the competition is always higher. We have to fight for our places. Not just keepers, but in all positions, the quality is very good.”