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Arsenal announce signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto
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Neto to replace Aaron Ramsdale as David Raya understudy
Arsenal have completed the signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan.
Neto joins Arsenal following two successful seasons with Bournemouth, where he made 32 appearances last season. His move to Arsenal became feasible after Bournemouth signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea late in the transfer window.
The 35-year-old will serve as a backup to David Raya at the Emirates Stadium. However, he will be ineligible to participate in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fixtures, having already played for Bournemouth in the competition before their defeat to West Ham on Wednesday.
Neto will be available for FA Cup and UEFA Champions League matches.
💬 “I always dreamed to play here. I had the opportunity to train here a few times in the training ground and I always kept that feeling in my mind, and now I’m realising it!”
Love that, Neto ❤️ pic.twitter.com/g9ulstdTFC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 30, 2024
Arsenal shifted their focus to Neto after allowing Aaron Ramsdale to move to Southampton. They pursued Neto after failing to secure Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.
Neto is expected to provide support to Raya, who arrived at Arsenal last summer on an initial loan from Brentford and quickly became Mikel Arteta’s preferred choice.
Despite Arteta’s assurances that both goalkeepers would have opportunities, Raya’s arrival displaced Ramsdale as the first-choice keeper. Ramsdale made just 11 appearances in the 2023/24 season, while Raya featured 41 times, including in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign and Premier League title chase.
Shotstopper. Leader. Winner.
All the lowdown on our latest signing, Neto👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 30, 2024