Arsenal snagged Brazilian goalkeeper Neto, aged 35, from Bournemouth on a season-long loan, without an option to buy. Neto showed up at Arsenal’s training center bright and early to get his medical done before finalizing his contract.
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The need for a new goalie hit Arsenal hard after Aaron Ramsdale was sold to Southampton and Karl Hein got loaned out to Valladolid. This double departure left a noticeable hole in their lineup. In response, Arsenal moved quickly to get Neto on board. His last match for Bournemouth, a 1-0 loss to West Ham in the English League Cup, was just two days before the move.
✅🔴⚪️ Arsenal sign Neto on loan from Bournemouth, confirmed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was upfront about the situation at a press conference, pointing out the urgency to fill the gap left by Ramsdale and Hein. He said they had to get someone in fast.
Neto is no stranger to European football. Since leaving Athletico-PR in 2010, he’s played for some big clubs—Fiorentina, Juventus, Valencia, and Barcelona, before landing at Bournemouth. Now, Arsenal is his latest stop.
💬 “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
Bournemouth quickly reacted to Neto’s exit by bringing in Kepa from Chelsea, showing just how fast-paced the transfer game can be. Arsenal’s quick fix in bringing Neto might raise some eyebrows due to his age and the short-term nature of his contract, but it’s clear they needed someone experienced to step in quickly.
