Neto contract details now emerge as Arsenal strike verbal agreement for Aaron Ramsdale successor

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto.

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar are eager to bring a new goalkeeper to Arsenal.

The Gunners are very likely to need a new shot-stopper before the summer transfer window closes, as Aaron Ramsdale is set to join Southampton. 

Ramsdale is currently behind David Raya in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, and needs to secure a move away from North London in order to get the regular football that he requires at this stage in his career.

However, the England international is currently the only available option to provide cover for Raya at Arsenal, and it is therefore vital that he is immediately replaced should he depart.

Arsenal have been in talks for four goalkeepers, as they have cast a wide net in their search for a Ramsdale replacement. 

Links with Neto emerged last night, and the Bournemouth captain now looks to be the most likely to make his way to the Emirates Stadium.

• READ MORE: Who is Joan Garcia? Get to know the Arsenal target linked as Aaron Ramsdale transfer replacement

Details of Arsenal’s deal to sign Neto

Arsenal have agreed a deal with Neto, and he looks set to sign for the Gunners as soon as Ramsdale’s exit is confirmed. 

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, reporting on X, has now lifted the lid on the Gunners’ verbal agreement with the south coast club.

He has stated that the 35-year-old shot-stopper will join Arsenal on a one-year loan deal, with an option to buy clause included, but no obligation to make his switch permanent.

It is a straightforward loan deal, and Arsenal will take responsibility for the once-capped Brazil international’s full salary.

However, Arsenal would still prefer to sign Joan Garcia instead of Neto if possible.

What Neto deal tells Arsenal fans about plans for Joan Garcia

Garcia is Arsenal’s top target to replace Ramsdale. However, it will not be easy for them to secure the 23-year-old’s signature today.

Espanyol will not lower Garcia’s asking price, which could prove an insurmountable hurdle for the Gunners. 

However, the Spaniard is clearly part of Arteta’s long-term plan, and unlike Neto, he offers more than a stop-gap solution to the club’s goalkeeper woes.

Part of the reason that Arsenal may be reluctant to immediately commit to signing Neto on a permanent basis, excluding a purchase obligation from this initial loan deal, could be because they hope to return for Garcia in a future window.