Inaki Cana, Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach, played a crucial role in the club’s decision to sign Neto on loan from Bournemouth as a backup to David Raya.
After months of speculation, Arsenal confirmed Aaron Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton on August 30. The newly promoted side paid a reported fee of £25 million for the 26-year-old, who signed a four year contract with the Saints.
With the transfer window closing soon, Arsenal had to act swiftly. They had previously considered Karl Hein, who had signed a new deal with the Gunners following the expiration of his contract this summer, to be the clubs number two. However, the 22-year-old had signed that contract extension on the condition that he would be loaned out to play regular football.
Arsenal’s failed pursuit of Joan Garcia
Cana and Arsenal’s management team initially identified Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a replacement for Ramsdale. The 23-year-old was viewed as a promising talent, and his relatively low release clause of £21 million made him an attractive option. Additionally, throughout their pursuit of Garcia, they were assured that they would be getting the Spaniard for a fee lower than his release clause.
However, Garcia’s release clause increased to £30 million in August, Despite their efforts, Arsenal found Espanyol unwilling to negotiate for anything less than Garcia’s full release clause. Given his limited experience in top-flight football, Cana and Arteta deemed his asking price to be unreasonable. As negotiations stalled, it became clear that Garcia was not a viable option
Arsenal sign Bournemouth’s Neto
Faced with this dilemma, Cana and sporting director Edu had to find an alternative solution quickly. Edu proposed signing Neto, the experienced 35-year-old goalkeeper from Bournemouth, who Arsenal had previously considered during his time at Barcelona. Neto’s experience made him an appealing short-term solution, and the deal was economical for the Gunners.
Arsenal had also considered a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Daniel Bentley but had their bid rejected as there was not enough time for Wolves to find a replacement. Chelsea’s Marcus Bettinelli and Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle were also discussed but they did not meet Cana’s requirements.
While Neto’s arrival provides Arsenal with immediate cover, it is a temporary fix. Concerningly, Neto is cup-tied for the Carabao Cup, having already played for the Cherries in the competition, and at 35, he is not a long-term solution. Arsenal are expected to be in the hunt for another goalkeeper next summer and may give Hein the chance following the end of his loan.
