Transfer News: Tottenham rival Arsenal for Neto

Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly waging battle to sign Neto from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Neto’s next destination appears to be the Premier League. North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are vying for the signature of the Brazilian goalkeeping ace, who wishes to leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

Neto joined Barcelona from Valencia in the summer of 2019 in a deal that saw Jasper Cillessen head the other way. And the 31-year-old has simply replaced Cillessen in his role at Camp Nou in direct fashion, having played second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, managing to rake in just 17 appearances for the Catalan outfit to date.

While he does boast a solid record of seven clean sheets in those games, there is no denying the fact that Neto stands no chance of usurping ter Stegen as the Barcelona no. 1. That is precisely the reason why the Brazilian shot stopper is intent on sealing a move away from the club this summer, with Tottenham and Arsenal hot on his trails.

Arsenal are in the market for a goalkeeper who could possible share game-time with Bernd Leno or be his backup at the very least. The Gunners were keen on signing Mat Ryan following a solid loan spell in the second half of last season, only for the Australian goalkeeper to join Real Sociedad. As a result, Arsenal have eyed several goalkeepers to fill Ryan’s void, including Sam Johnstone.

To that end, Barcelona’s wantaway goalkeeping ace Neto is also a viable target for Arsenal. However, the north Londoners are now facing stiff competition from Tottenham in pursuit of the 31-year-old Brazilian shot stopper.

Spurs are reportedly set to sign Pierluigi Gollini, which means the interest in Neto does not make a lot of sense. However, if Gollini’s deal was to fall through at any point, the Barcelona goalkeeper would be a viable backup option for Tottenham.

As per Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League is the likeliest destination for Neto when he leaves Barcelona. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if either of Arsenal and Tottenham can swoop him away from Barcelona or if some other club steals a march on the north Londoners.