There could be a shake up in the Arsenal goalkeeper department on Transfer Deadline Day.
Having already signed David Raya on a permanent basis this summer, Arsenal could see more transfer activity take place between the sticks tomorrow.
Aaron Ramsdale could leave Arsenal, as he is keen to seek regular first team football elsewhere.
The England international lost his starting berth at the Emirates Stadium last season and has been unable to regain his place at the top of the pecking order. Raya is shining for Arsenal now and has firmly established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first choice.
At this stage in his career, though, Ramsdale needs to be playing regular football, and has proven himself capable of impressing at Premier League level. Southampton now looks like the most likely destination for the shot-stopper.
Of course, if he were to depart tomorrow, Arsenal would need to immediately replace him, as there is no one else available to offer back up to Raya as things stand.
Arsenal considering Neto after Joan Garcia blow
Arsenal wanted Joan Garcia to replace Ramsdale. However, the Gunners have now encountered an obstacle in their pursuit of the Espanyol ace.
According to journalist James McNicholas, reporting on X: “Espanyol currently refusing to budge from Garcia’s €30m release clause.”
With the La Liga outfit refusing to make any concessions on the 23-year-old’s price tag, sporting director Edu is now considering an alternative target.
As per McNicholas: “Arsenal exploring a deal to sign Neto from Bournemouth as talks over Joan Garcia hit impasse.”
Bournemouth recently signed Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea, as confirmed by the official Premier League website.
The Spanish shot-stopper will expect to immediately be installed as the new No. 1 on the south coast, perhaps paving the way for the Cherries’ current captain, Neto, to depart.
Why Arsenal are considering Neto
Neto represents an experienced and reliable option. The 35-year-old has featured for the likes of Fiorentina, Juventus, Valencia, and Barcelona in his career, before proving his mettle in the Premier League.
He is decent with the ball at his feet, knows how to command his penalty area with authority, and is a reliable shot-stopper.
Whilst he may not be content to sit on the bench for Bournemouth at this stage in his career, he would perhaps be able to countenance acting as Raya’s understudy in a title-chasing Arsenal side.
There is certainly an argument, though, that Neto represents a downgrade on Ramsdale. However, Arteta may feel that having a player who actually wants to be at the club would outweigh that issue.
In any case, Neto would bring some much-needed experience to Arenal, as that is a quality that Arteta’s squad is currently somewhat lacking in.
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