Aaron Ramsdale sealed a deadline-day move to Southampton and the Gunners responded by making a surprise move for Neto, who joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Bournemouth.
Arsenal initially wanted Joan Garcia but were frustrated in their efforts to sign him as Espanyol insisted that the goalkeeper wouldn’t leave if his £25m release clause wasn’t triggered.
Neto is set to deputise for David Raya this season, but Mikel Arteta is keeping an eye on the goalkeeper market to sign a younger shot-stopper as cover and competition for the Spaniard.
And if reports from Italy are to be believed, Arsenal have seemingly identified their man.
Arsenal keeping an eye on Alex Meret
Alex Meret of Ssc Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Napoli at Allianz Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Turin, Italy.
Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Alex Meret has always been tipped to have a bright future, but since the start of the new season, the Italian goalkeeper has delivered a string of assured displays between the sticks for Napoli.
With his contract set to expire next summer, Arsenal reportedly are looking to sign Meret on a free transfer as they aim to add to their goalkeeping group.
However, a report from Calciomercato suggests the Italian’s agent will establish contact with Napoli over a new contract amid interest from other clubs.
Meret’s entourage want a new deal that will tie down the goalkeeper at the club until 2028, so it remains to be seen if Arsenal press ahead with their interest to potentially turn his head.
Arsenal definitely need another goalkeeper
While Neto is at the club as their second-choice goalkeeper, he was more of a fall-back option for Arsenal on deadline day as opposed to someone they really wanted.
If reports are to be believed, both Garcia and Meret are on the Gunners’ radar, but they are unlikely to spend the big bucks on a backup goalkeeper as Raya has firmly established himself as their main man between the sticks.
If Meret doesn’t renew his contract, Arsenal could jump at the chance to sign him for free a year later, while Garcia could emerge as a viable option if Espanyol agree to negotiate a fee.
Gianluigi Buffon dubbed Meret as an ‘exciting‘ goalkeeper and if he continues his development, Arsenal – and other big clubs – are likely to queue up for his signature in the coming years.
0 Comments