Barcelona’s backup goalkeeper drawing interest from Arsenal
Barcelona are open to the idea of a possible transfer for the backup keeper.
Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation is one of the few areas where there is no ambiguity. When healthy, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the undisputed starter.
This leaves the backup goalkeeper, Neto, with few options to play. When he has been called upon, he’s done a decent job. Those performances did not go unnoticed.
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According to beIn Sports, Premier League side Arsenal have identified Neto as a possible transfer target.
The Gunnars are looking for a backup for Bernd Leno. Their current backup, Runar Alex Runarsson, has failed to impress and manager Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen that position.
The former Arsenal backup, Emiliano Martinez, was sold to Aston Villa prior to the start of the season.
For his part, Neto would not be opposed to a possible move.
According to Sport, the Brazilian goalkeeper has asked the club to facilitate a move should an offer come in for him.
He wants to play and knows that he will not get many opportunities with Ter Stegen in front of him.
He filled in when the German was injured earlier in the season and played a number of games in the group stages of the Champions League. Since Ter Stegen’s return, however, he has seen his playing time significantly reduced.
Barcelona are taking his request into consideration and are willing to listen to offers. However, their idea is to sell and get a fee either to make a profit or in order to try to finalize other deals. The obstacle to a potential Arsenal move is the Gunners are interested in a loan with an option to buy.
The Catalans might balk at that offer unless the option is too good to turn down. Should he leave, Iñaki Peña would take over as the number two.
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Neto arrived at Barcelona from Valencia back in 2019. He replaced Jasper Cillessen who went the other way.