- 11 hours ago
Arsenal sign Bournemouth keeper Neto in shock Deadline Day deal
Arsenal have officially signed Neto from Bournemouth.
The Gunners have struck a deal for their Aaron Ramsdale replacement. It is not Spaniard Joan Garcia but rather Brazilian shot-stopper Neto, who has now arrived at the Emirates.
Ramsdale was sold to Southampton in a deal that will see Arsenal recoup most if not all of their original outlay on the England goalkeeper in what represents a good piece of business for a player who obviously did not feature prominently in Mikel Arteta's plans anymore.
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A replacement had to be signed as soon as possible, however, as David Raya is currently the north London giants' only senior option between the sticks. The original idea, as revealed by FootballTransfers, was to bring in Espanyol's Joan Garcia.
Terms had been agreed with the player, however, the LaLiga side were unwilling to compromise on their asking price, demanding his full €25 million to €30m release clause be paid. After having a fresh offer of €20m rejected, Arsenal have now signed an alternative.
Arsenal land Neto
Earlier on Friday, the shock links with Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto emerged and Arsenal have moved swiftly to close the deal before the evening deadline.
The deal to sign the 35-year-old is already done and the player has been unveiled. The Brazilian has joined the Gunners on a season-long loan deal with no option or obligation to purchase him.
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Bournemouth have been keen to replace the veteran. Though he has been a good servant to the Cherries, he is statistically one of the weaker shot-stoppers in the Premier League, meaning that an upgrade had to come in.
This upgrade has already arrived in the shape of Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga. The world's most expensive goalkeeper was signed on Thursday on loan after extending his Blues contract until 2026.