Arsenal want to sign Premier League captain today, he used to play for Barcelona – report | OneFootball

Arsenal are eyeing a move for Bournemouth captain and goalkeeper Neto as they look to replace Southampton-bound Aaron Ramsdale, according to The Athletic.

The Gunners had Espanyol goalie Joan Garcia on their radar as an option to replace the England international, but talks to sign him have hit a brick wall as the La Liga club insist his €30 million release clause must be triggered for a deal to be struck.

As a result, Arsenal are exploring a deal for Neto, with the former Barcelona goalie likely to look to leave Bournemouth after Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived on loan from Chelsea.

The Brazilian featured in 32 games last season, keeping seven clean sheets, but it appears manager Andoni Iraola wants Arrizabalaga as his first-choice going forward, and Neto could look to move on.

The 35-year-old joined the Cherries from Barca in 2022, replacing Mark Travers as the club’s first-choice and has since made 60 appearances.

Arsenal have identified him as the man to provide quality cover and competition for David Raya, and they will look to get a deal done ahead of the transfer deadline later tonight.

Neto has what it takes to become the second-choice at the North London club, but whether he will be satisfied with playing such a role having been a regular at Bournemouth since arriving remains to be seen.

Arsenal have added Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino to their first-team after activating the option to sign Raya permanently following his impressive loan spell, and landing a goalie before the window closes is also in their plans.

A move for Neto will be great, but they are also seeking to land someone in that position with homegrown status, and both Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Dan Bentley have been under consideration.