Arsenal are reportedly ‘monitoring’ the future of Barcelona star Neto ahead of a potential summer swoop.
The Gunners are in the market for major additions this summer, with Europa League football on the horizon. One of the players that could potentially be on their shortlist this summer is Brazilian goalkeeper Neto.
According to Goal Brazil, the former Valencia man wants to leave the Camp Nou in the coming months in an effort to earn more playing time. As per the reports, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on developments - albeit are yet to lodge an official bid for the 32-year-old’s services.
It is claimed that the north Londoners have been tracking Neto since last year, with a renewed move potentially leading to a refresh of the club’s goalkeeping department. He would be set to replace Bernd Leno at the Emirates Stadium - the German having been linked with an exit from the club, Benfica touted as a potential replacement for him.
It is further suggested that Barcelona would be willing to allow Neto to depart this summer as they aim to generate much-needed revenue due to the poor financial situation at the Camp Nou. The stopper, having previously represented Juventus, arrived at Barcelona from Turin in 2019.
However, he has consistently been an understudy to regular number one Marc-Andre Ter Stegen with just 21 appearances to his name in all competitions since then. He has just a year remaining on his current Barcelona deal so it appears unlikely that the Gunners would have to fork out a considerable amount to secure his services.
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He has been linked with a switch to the Premier League on a number of occasions in the past though, with the likes of Everton and Chelsea having emerged as potential suitors.
Whilst the goalkeeping department could need strengthening this summer, Arsenal remain in the market for additions in other positions. A striker and central midfielder are the priority for Mikel Arteta, with Youri Tielemans having emerged as a prime target for the Gunners’ boss.
Elsewhere, there could also be a number of major outgoings alongside Leno ahead of next season. Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette are all amongst a clutch of players linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium this term.
Arteta has already suggested that his side could be busy on the transfer front despite somewhat limited funds. Speaking last month, the Spaniard said: “We are going to have certain resources, not unlimited resources, some resources.
“And with our resources we have to play and do what we have to do in the best possible way. We don't know what the rest are going to have in terms of resources, which I'm assuming is going to be challenging because now it's not a top three or top four league. Now it is a top eight or 10 teams that are involved. That's why we have to find a way to do again what we did last summer.”
