Arsenal could work with superagent Kia Joorabchian once again this summer, as they target Barcelona keeper Neto.
Neto is represented by Joorabchian, who Arsenal worked with to complete the signings of David Luiz, Cedric and Willian, just a few clients under Joorabchian’s massive portfolio.
Sports Invest UK LTD, owned by Kia Joorabchian, is one of the largest football agencies in Europe. The agency boasts clients such as Philippe Coutinho and Tottenham Hotspur full-back Sergio Reguilon.
Arsenal could make use of their positive relationship with Joorabchian to sign Neto, currently under contract to Barcelona until the summer of 2023.
Neto was signed for a massive €26million in 2019 from fellow La Liga side Valencia but has only played for Barca in the league on nine occasions.
According to The Athletic, due to Arsenal technical director Edu’s previous encounters with Joorabchian, a deal could be quickly signed and sealed.
Any permanent signing is expected to be significantly less than the £10m fee West Bromwich Albion have quoted for Sam Johnstone.
There is also potential that Arsenal could complete the signing of Neto on a loan deal, in a similar vein to the capture of Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in January.
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Unlike Aaron Ramsdale - who Sheffield United have valued at £35m - Neto is not being signed as a long-term replacement for Bernd Leno but will come in and reprise a role as an understudy.
Interest in Ramsdale was significant, and Mikel Arteta and his recruitment staff were encouraged by the quality of his distribution, as well as his determination to come for crosses, something they have identified as a significant weakness in Leno.
However, the prospects of a transfer have significantly cooled, even after Arsenal had submitted a bid worth an initial £20m. Reports have suggested that the proposal was supplemented with significant performance-based add-ons but did not come close to The Blades’ valuation.
Elsewhere, Arsenal remain in the hunt for a creative midfield player as discussions with Leicester City for James Maddison appear to have hit a wall.
A move for Martin Odegaard was mooted, but it appears that he is in Carlo Ancelotti's plans ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga campaign.
However, It is believed that Arsenal would be quick to pounce if they sensed discontent in the beginning weeks of the new season.
It is believed that one of their targets is Houssem Aouar, who was linked heavily with a move to the club in 2020.
Due to the financial struggles in Ligue 1, the Lyon midfielder could be available for just €25m, a fraction of the €60m Arsenal were quoted for the Frenchman last summer.
It is expected that Arsenal will test the waters in the coming days, despite several significant figures at the club concerned about a perceived decline on the pitch within the last 12 months.
