Arsenal Opinion: Neto can provide Bernd Leno with healthy competition for the No.1 role
According to Daily Star, Arsenal are interested in signing Valencia’s Brazilian international goalkeeper Norberto Murara, who is more commonly known as Neto.
The Daily Star understands that the Gunners already have a contract offer on the table for the 29-year-old shot-stopper, with reports claiming that manager Unai Emery is keen to add at least another goalkeeper to his ranks ahead of the upcoming season.
However, as reported by Daily Star, Neto is unhappy with the terms of the contract and he feels that he is worth more than the wages that have been offered to him by Arsenal.
Also, it has been claimed that Neto wants assurances of playing the Champions League given that Valencia finished fourth in the La Liga and are set to play in Europe’s elite club competition next season. (h/t Daily Star)
Neto made a total of 34 appearances in the La Liga this season to help Valencia to a top-four finish. The Brazilian featured in 47 occasions in all competitions over the course of the campaign and managed to keep 14 clean sheets in the process.
The 29-year-old rose to prominence with Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense before announcing himself on the European stage with a move to Fiorentina back in 2011. He spent four fruitful seasons with the La Viola and managed 34 clean sheets in 101 appearances before switching boats to join Juventus, although he predominantly played a backup role in Turin.
Neto made his move to the La Liga for the first time in his career with Valencia back in 2017 and quickly established himself as the first-choice between the sticks at Mestalla. The Brazilian has made 80 appearances for the Spanish outfit in all competitions till date and a move to the Premier League looks very much on the cards for the 29-year-old.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the lookout for a replacement for Petr Cech, who is expected to hang up his boots after the Europa League final against Chelsea.
The 37-year-old is set to put a full-stop to his illustrious and distinguished career in English football at the end of the season, and while Arsenal have Bernd Leno as their undisputed No.1 between the sticks, the Gunners cannot afford to embark on the upcoming season with just a single goalkeeper.
The Gunners have someone like Emiliano Martinez who could play the role of an understudy to Leno, while the future of David Ospina remains up in the air.
The Colombian spent the previous season on loan at Napoli but it is still unclear whether the Serie A outfit are willing to make his stay permanent. Even if Ospina returns to Arsenal, Emery might not fancy him for the back-up role, having shipped him out on loan just a year ago.
Neto looks more like the real deal for Arsenal and it would be a good idea for the Gunners to have a top-class experienced back up for Bernd Leno, given that the German himself has struggled at times this season.
It is clear that Arsenal are not looking at Neto to dislodge Leno between the sticks but the Brazilian is also a quality goalkeeper at the highest level and his presence would ensure healthy competition for the No.1 role.
Known for his sharp reflexes and ability to keep shots out from all ranges, Neto is good enough to keep the German on his toes and ensure that there is no room for complacency.
To Read More Arsenal News, Click Here:– Latest Arsenal News
Arsenal need more depth in all areas of their squad to challenge for silverware next season, and while a new centre-back and a left-back might be high on the manager’s recruitment list for the summer, a new goalkeeper is also the need of the hour at the Emirates.
Having said that, Arsenal should not hesitate to sign Neto if he becomes available for a reasonable fee.
