Arsenal agree surprise loan deal for Premier League goalkeeper whose role was set to be poached by Chelsea flop

ARSENAL have agreed a deal to sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto, according to reports.

It comes with Gunners No2 Aaron Ramsdale edging closer to a transfer exit after Southampton agreed a fee of £25million to sign the Englishman.

According to The Athletic, the north London side struck the straight loan agreement with the Cherries overnight.

The Brazilian shot-stopper, 35, is set to undergo a medical.

His exit from the south coast club follows the signing of Chelsea flop Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan, who was expected to displace the former Barcelona and Juventus goalkeeper.

Neto was the No1 under Andoni Iraola last season, keeping seven clean sheets in 32 games, and had started their two Premier League matches and EFL Cup match vs West Ham this season.

He was also named club captain under previous boss Gary O’Neil after joining from Barca in 2022.

Arsenal have been exploring options for a new goalkeeper amid the transfer speculation relating to Ramsdale.

Espanyol‘s Olympic champion Joan Garcia, 23, was believed to be their No1 target to play as David Raya‘s understudy.

However, the La Liga side have refused to budge from Garcia’s €30m (£25m) release clause and talks have stalled despite the agreement of personal terms.

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It is believed Mikel Arteta still wants to add another goalkeeper to his squad before tonight’s transfer deadline.

They are said to be eyeing both an experienced replacement for Ramsdale and a goalkeeper with homegrown status, with Wigan’s Sam Tickle and Wolves’ Dan Bentley both under consideration.

Southampton’s late move for Ramsdale, formerly of Sheffield United and Bournemouth, came following the collapse of their deal to sign Feyenoord goalie Justin Bijlow over a failed medical.

A loan approach for the 26-year-old was rejected before the Saints returned with an offer of an initial £18m rising to £25m with add-ons.

Ramsdale signed for Arsenal from the Blades in 2021 for £24m.

Arsenal’s market plans have also seen them eye a new forward to bolster their options with Eddie Nketiah set to leave for Crystal Palace in a deal worth up to £30m.

They are reported to have been offered the chance to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea after the 82-cap England winger was told he was not in Enzo Maresca‘s plans this season.

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