ARSENAL have joined Chelsea in the transfer race for Barcelona outcast Neto as back-up for Bernd Leno but they could be priced out of move.
The Barca flop has made just four appearances across all competitions since he arrived at the Nou Camp from Valencia last summer.
Neto is deputy to Marc-Andre ter Stegen who has long been Quique Setien’s first choice man between the sticks.
The Brazil stopper, who has one international cap, is considered too good to rot on the bench with many clubs eyeing a swoop in the coming transfer window.
As reported by the Express, the Gunners are looking to snare the 30-year-old away from the Catalan giants to provide competition for Bernd Leno.
Despite only keeping eight clean sheets in 30 games, the Germany ace has made a series of impressive saves throughout this term.
Neto was linked with a move to the Emirates last summer as replacement for departing stopper Petr Cech, but the deal was said to have fallen short of the Brazilian’s expectations.
This time round Mikel Arteta will face stiff competition from Chelsea, Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis and AC Milan.
The cash-strapped Gunners also may find it difficult to splash in the summer as they have been hit hard by the coronavirus crunch.
The Emirates’ already limited budget was further slashed following the pandemic meaning the club may have to sacrifice at least one of four players including Alexandre Lacazette – to do business in the next window.
Barcelona are unlikely to budge on a high asking price as they are looking to raise some cash to spend on their other summer targets, having been hit financially by the killer virus.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has made no secret of his desire for a new keeper, having dropped £71m flop Kepa Arrizabalaga earlier this season in favour of 38-year-old regular bench-dweller Willy Caballero.
It seems Ajax stopper Andre Onana is top of Lamps’ wishlist over Neto.
And the Blues were handed a boost when the Dutch champions told the Cameroon ace that he is free to leave this summer.
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