The Arsenal goalkeeping department is about to welcome a new face as the club have reached an agreement for Bournemouth’s Norberto Neto after their offer for Joan Garcia was turned down.
Joan Garcia Stays Put at Espanyol, Norberto Neto Joins Arsenal
Neto to Leave Bournemouth for Arsenal
According to Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have a “deal completed“ for Bournemouth shot-stopper Neto after they met with failure in their attempts to sign Espanyol’s Garcia.
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Espanyol rejected the Gunners’ final bid, which was worth £16.8 million in fixed fees plus add-ons. The Spanish keeper had a release clause of £21 million.
Arsenal had identified Garcia as their first-choice replacement in the event of Aaron Ramsdale’s departure. The English keeper has signed for Southampton, leading the North London side to intensify their pursuit of the 23-year-old. However, they will now have to be content with the 35-year-old Neto.
Neto joins Arsenal in a deal that will be a straight loan and is to undergo a medical soon.
What Will He Bring to Arsenal?
Neto’s biggest selling point will be his experience. The Brazilian has had stints across Europe, playing in Italy, Spain, and England. He has amassed 332 senior appearances in a career spanning 15 years.
Neto’s experience will come in handy, especially in a youthful team like Arsenal. He can be instrumental in blooding the recently recruited young keepers Lucas Nygaard and Tommy Setford. Bukayo Saka has always spoken fondly of the guiding role David Luiz had in the early stages of the winger’s career. Neto can play a similar role to Nygaard and Setford.
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Leadership is another positive attribute that Neto possesses. He was named the club captain by Gary O’Neil in February 2023. After giving him the armband, the former Bournemouth manager had said: “I think Neto is a leader. He’s fantastic with all the players. He’s a good guy. I like what he brings.”
Before agreeing to the move, Neto would probably have understood that he will only be the second-choice keeper at the Emirates. So, there won’t be any possibility of having a discontent player in the club’s ranks. He should mainly be featuring in the domestic cup competitions, however he has already played in the EFL Cup which means that he will not be able to feature in that for Arsenal.
