According to Football Insider, Arsenal are not likely to keep Neto beyond the current season. The Gunners will be looking for a new goalkeeper in the close season as the 2024 loan signing will return to his parent club, Bournemouth, once the campaign ends.
Arsenal made some rushed moves back on the deadline day of the summer transfer window as two players arrived, including goalkeeper Neto. Bournemouth signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on loan, which paved the way for Neto to make a move to the Gunners.
The Brazilian was not part of the original plan to strengthen the goalkeeping department, as Arsenal had eyes on Espanyol’s Joan Garcia. The Spaniard’s price tag proved problematic at the end of the window, as the Gunners also made a late sale of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton.
Had they agreed on a deal for Ramsdale at an earlier stage, they would have had time to sort out the backup keeper for David Raya. With a shortage of time in the window, Arsenal signed Neto from Bournemouth. However, the 2024 loan signing has featured only once this season, in the final UEFA Champions League league phase clash against Girona.
He was also cup-tied in the Carabao Cup, which forced Mikel Arteta to use his other keepers until their semi-final exit at the hands of Newcastle United. In any case, should Raya stay fit, Neto is not expected to feature anymore, either in the Champions League or Premier League matches.
Arsenal unlikely to keep Neto
Arsenal have other ideas to strengthen the goalkeeping ranks, with a heavy interest in Espanyol’s Garcia, as the Gunners are favourites to win the race for the stopper. Hence, Neto is unlikely to stay beyond the summer, as the one-cap Brazilian international is expected back at parent club Bournemouth, as his future there remains uncertain.
Arsenal is expected to have an agreement with Garcia sooner rather than later, as Arteta and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana have earmarked the Espanyol star as the ideal candidate to replace Ramsdale. As for Neto, it has been an unfortunate season, as he’s not expected to add to the one appearance in the remainder of the season.
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