Arsenal are interested in borrowing Barcelona goalkeeper Neto for the rest of the season, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are considering their options when it comes to the goalkeepers this month.. This is one of the main posts they are looking to strengthen.
Emiliano Martinez left the club to join Aston Villa in the summer, as Arsenal were unable to give him regular playing time. It’s a decision they might regret, as it’s been a big hit at Villa Park.
At the same time, Arsenal introduced Runar Alex Runarsson as a substitute to compete for Bernd Leno ‘s number one.
However, Runarsson has failed and has made some big mistakes, including in the recent Carabao Cup loss to Manchester City.
It has since been speculated that Arsenal could put Runarsson on loan to regain his confidence. In that event, they would need a new backup keeper.
They could try to sign a keeper even if Runarsson stays. Matt Macey recently left out in third place for Hibernian, releasing a place in that division at the Emirates Stadium.
Now, according to Sky Sports and Diario Sports, Arsenal are measuring a bid for Neto Barcelona.
Neto is used to playing the role of reserve goalkeeper, having previously done so for Juventus and for the past 18 months at Barcelona.
The Brazilian has played just 14 times for Barca, although he has found more playing time this season when Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been out.
Ter Stegen is back in the fold, however, meaning Neto is short of playtime again. Moving away could lead to a return to action.
Neto is a long-term target for Arsenal
If Arsenal made a move for him, they would hope that he can be the man to keep Leno on toes. At the moment, they don’t have enough competition for the Germans.
So, they want to lend Neto for the next six months. However, Barcelona preferred to sell, setting their asking price at around € 21m.
If Arsenal can find a deal for Brazil, it would spell the end of a long – range move. They have been connected to Neto ever since his days with Valencia.
There were even rumors of a move for him through the summer transfer window last summer, but they missed out. Now, they may try to trick Barcelona into letting Neto leave again.
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