Arsenal reach verbal agreement for Brazil international

Premier League clubs are racing to finalise deals before the transfer window slams shut at 23:00 on Friday.

All 20 top flight clubs have signed at least one player so far this summer, but plenty of deals are still likely to be finalised in the final hours of the window.

With that in mind, it appears that Arsenal have agreed a surprise deal for a Brazil international.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the North London side have reached a verbal agreement with AFC Bournemouth for goalkeeper Neto.

The news comes with current Gunners ‘keeper Aaron Ramsdale expected to join Southampton before the window closes.

Arteta and those in charge of the club’s recruitment are therefore keen to sign a replacement to act as back-up for first choice ‘keeper David Raya.

Neto, 35, is the current captain of the Cherries but is expected to be replaced as the club’s first choice ‘keeper following their signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea.

Neto could make a surprise late move to Arsenal on Friday

Romano claims that Arsenal are continuing to pursue a move for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a back-up ‘keeper, but the Spanish side are demanding that his release clause is met.

Espanyol are said to have already rejected two offers from Arsenal for Garcia, with the La Liga outfit adamant that his release clause must be activated if he is to leave.

With the Gunners reluctant to do so, they could instead turn to Neto in the final hours of the window with a verbal agreement already reached with the Cherries.

Neto joined Bournemouth from Spanish side Barcelona two years ago and has since made 63 appearances for the south coast club across all competitions, conceding 99 times and keeping 13 clean sheets.

He has started both of Bournemouth’s Premier League matches so far this term, as well as their 1-0 defeat against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup.

Neto has one international cap for Brazil at senior level.