ARSENAL are weighing up a move for Barcelona keeper Neto after refusing to meet Sheffield United’s £35million asking price for Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners’ offer of £20m plus add-ons for the England shot stopper was rejected after discussions took place on Wednesday, leading Arsenal to end their pursuit of the 23-year-old.
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Arsenal will now reportedly turn their attention to Barca’s back-up keeper Neto, 32, who could be available on a cut-price transfer or loan deal as the Spanish giants seek to reduce their wage bill.
The Brazilian, who still has two years left on his current deal, has made just nine appearances in LaLiga for Barca since joining for an initial £22m from Valencia in 2019.
It is believed that Neto could be the perfect solution to Arsenal’s goalkeeper crisis, with the Gunners desperate to provide cover for Bernd Leno and competition for the number one spot.
There is also a good feeling at Arsenal that the deal can be completed swiftly as the player is represented by Kia Joorabchian, who previously orchestrated moves to north London for Cedric, Willian and David Luiz.
Neto was just one of a number of possible options that SunSport suggested Arsenal could turn to after failing to land Ramsdale, including PSG keeper Keylor Navas.
The Costa Rican is set to be ousted as number one following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer from AC Milan and would bring some much needed experience and pedigree to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
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However, a deal for Neto looks far more likely and though Arsenal’s interest in Ramsdale appears to be shelved for now, they could come back in for him later on should Sheffield United’s position change.
Arsenal get their Premier League campaign started tonight with a clash with newly promoted Brentford.
Speaking ahead of the opener, Arteta revealed he was powerless to stop Amazon’s ‘All or Nothing’ cameras from filming behind the scenes.
He also admitted they have a tough start to the season with games against Chelsea and Manchester City early on.
But he urged fans to be “excited” about the season ahead.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
