AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal have agreed a loan deal for Cherries captain Neto.
With AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea agreeing a loan move for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for the 2024/25 campaign, this has left Neto surplus to requirements at Dean Court.
The 35-year-old who joined AFC Bournemouth in 2022 on a free transfer from Barcelona, has made 63 appearances for the Cherries, including 61 appearances in the Premier League and has featured in all three of the Cherries games this season.
In March 2023 Neto signed a new three-year contract until the summer of 2026 with the Brazilian reportedly one of the top earners at the club.
If he does make the move to London, then Arsenal are reportedly set to cover the entirety of his wages for the remainder of the season according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
However, the deal is far from certain as Arsenal’s number one target is Joan Garcia from Espanyol, however Arsenal as yet have not agreed fee with the La Liga side.
🔴⚪️ Arsenal and Bournemouth have reached verbal agreement for Neto as backup goalkeeper.
Deal will happen only if Arsenal will not be able to sign Joan García as Espanyol have rejected TWO bids today.
Espanyol insist on release clause or nothing. pic.twitter.com/abtJGvRHqr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2024
🔴⚪️ Neto's move to Arsenal has been verbally agreed on loan until June 2025 with no option to buy clause, no obligation.
Straight loan, salary paid by #AFC and club ready to proceed with medical/signatures if Joan Garcia deal collapses today. pic.twitter.com/hAAsj2N2lF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024
🍒 Neto medical at Arsenal this morning. Although has moved at speed in the public domain, behind scenes part of master plan with Kepa signing, as per below about carrying two GKs on big money #afcb #afc https://t.co/UhyVnAOPLf
— Kris Temple (@kristemple) August 30, 2024
Arsenal are in the market for a backup goalkeeper as they are on the brink of selling former AFC Bournemouth favourite Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton.
Your say…
Topfarrier wrote…
Have to say that if we actually manage to get Neto off the wage bill then hats off to Francis and Pinto they will have done a hell of a job this window…I didn’t think it would be possible. – To join the conversation, click here.
