Arsenal have tabled a contract offer for Valencia goalkeeper Neto; it has been claimed.
According to Piaza Deportivo(via Daily Star), Arsenal have made contact with Neto regarding a potential move to Emirates. The Gunners will be devoid of secondary goalkeeping options next season, following the retirement of Petr Cech. As a result, Unai Emery is keen to add to his roster this summer.
However, Neto has reportedly rebuffed Arsenal’s contract offer as he feels the wages they are offering does not justify his quality on the pitch. It is also believed that the Brazilian is keen to play in the Champions League next season, something that Valencia can also provide having finished 4th in La Liga. That means the move can be ultimately influenced by Arsenal’s fate in the UEFA Europa League final, as they finished sixth in the Premier League this season.
In hindsight, Neto’s demands are logical as Arsenal are likely to consider Bernd Leno as their number one ‘keeper next season. The German international has done well in his debut campaign in England, having made more than three saves per game – more than any other goalkeeper among Premier League’s top six.
That means Neto will be considered as the cup goalkeeper, allowing him to feature in the FA Cup, League Cup and in the European games. And if they fail to qualify for the Champions League or if Emery decides to retain Leno in the UCL games, Neto’s reservations moving to London might well be warranted. The Brazilian has e decent record having conceded just 77 league goals in just as many matches throughout the past couple of seasons in La Liga.
Therefore, Neto’s wage demands are warranted, given his quality as a shot-stopper. But at the same time, Arsenal simply cannot afford to invest too much on a goalkeeper, especially when they are expected to work on a tight budget to make a number of changes to the squad.
Emery has reportedly been handed a paltry budget of just £40 million should his side fail to qualify for the Champions League. That means he cannot afford to break the bank for a goalkeeper, whose contract with Valencia expires in 2021.
David Ospina will return from his loan spell from Napoli but he is unlikely to have a future under Unai Emery who had sanctioned the move last summer.
Hence, the Gunners should shift their interest to a slightly less established and preferably a younger alternative as they aim to replace Cech in goal next season. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how the veteran ‘keeper fares in what will be the last game of his career. And that too, against his former team in Chelsea.
One thing is for certain – winning the Europa League will be a fitting way to end his decorated career.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
