Barca place keeper on transfer list amid Arsenal rumours

James Holland
Neto Barcelona Arsenal F365

Barcelona have put Arsenal-linked keeper Neto on their transfer list, according to reports.

Much has been made of the club’s financial situation, which put the future of star player Lionel Messi under threat.

The Catalan giants appear to have sorted his new deal but more players could still be on the move.


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According to ESPN, Neto will be allowed to leave Barca this summer if a suitable offer comes in.

The Brazilian, capped on one occasion by his country, is a well-respected player but he isn’t needed at the Nou Camp.

He also wants to secure a new challenge to allow him to prove himself ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The news will alert the attention of Arsenal, who have previously eyed Neto as a potential transfer target.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is low on options in goal, with just Bernd Leno and Runar Alex Runarsson as senior keepers in his squad.

Runarrson could leave the Emirates on loan this summer after a troublesome debut season in England.

Mat Ryan was one solution being targeted, although he’s now returned to Spain by signing for Real Sociedad.

Reports in January suggested Neto would only join Arsenal if he were guaranteed a shot at Leno’s starting spot.

Arteta has stuck with Leno throughout his tenure, but the German did himself no favours with a shocking error in last season’s 1-0 defeat to Everton.

Bringing an experienced keeper like Neto to the club may help to improve Leno’s performances.

The 31-year-old started his career with Atletico-PR in his native Brazil. He was given his first shot at European football by Fiorentina, who signed him for £3.15million in January 2011.

After establishing himself as the Italian side’s number one, a transfer to Juventus followed in 2015.

However, Neto couldn’t usurp the legendary Gigi Buffon in Turin. He was forced to leave for Valencia in search of game time, and went on to join Barca two years ago.

He could become the second player to leave Barca for England in the summer transfer window.

Left-back Junior Firpo was sold to Leeds United for £12.8m. He will take Ezgjan Alioski’s place in the team.