The 32-year-old would like to play more regularly, something he was not able to do at Barcelona. The situation is unlikely to change for the better in the Emirates. They already have a tried and tested goalkeeper at Ramsdale and are unlikely to replace him any time soon.
A report from Sport (via Sport Witness) says Arsenal could sign Barcelona goalkeeper Neto if Bernd Leno ends up leaving the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
Leno, who moved to north London from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018, fell off the nominations list under Mikel Arteta, losing his place to Aaron Ramsdale. Despite not enjoying many minutes, the 30-year-old is said to continue to attract eyeballs.
Newly promoted Fulham is believed to want to have Arsenal’s second-choice goalkeeper on their payroll. If they get their wish, the Gunners will be without strong support for Ramsdale in the 2022-23 season.
To address this issue, it is reported that the Arteta team may be knocking on the doors of Barcelona who are looking for ways to lower their salary bill. The Blaugrana has prepared a list of players who can be sacrificed for the cause, with Neto’s name on it.
Barcelona are confident that the Brazilian goalkeeper will leave for greener pastures in the summer and join a club where he can play regularly. La Liga clubs Valencia and Villarreal are also interested in his services but they cannot meet his salary requirements. Arsenal are likely to ask Neto to cut his salary, but Londoners are likely to have more wiggle room if Leno is sold to Fulham.
Arsenal move may not be in the favour of outcast Barcelona
Neto, who moved to Camp Nou for €26 million in 2019, is considered a good goalkeeper. He’s an excellent game reader, good at organizing his defenders, and a reliable shot-stopper. Getting Neto would by no means be a stepping down for the Emirates team, but the switch may not benefit the former Valencia man.
If the veteran goalkeeper wants to play regularly at the end of his career, he should choose a smaller club. To get the smaller clubs interested in him, he must inevitably lower his salary demands.