OPINION
Arsenal are interested in signing Valencia goalkeeper Neto, according to Plazadeportiva, but it’s not a move they should make this summer.
Petr Cech is leaving the Emirates to take up a sporting director role at former club Chelsea and will leave the Gunners a goalkeeper down.
Despite this, Unai Emery should not move for the Valencia stopper.
Neto reportedly has a £70million release clause and with that in mind, it would be a ridiculous decision to even consider a move for the 29-year-old.
His release clause is astronomical and it really would be a waste of resources bringing him to North London.
Arsenal are lacking in other areas and Emery should not be prioritising a goalkeeper. Aaron Ramsey will be leaving for Juventus and finding a fitting replacement for the midfielder should be a much bigger priority.
Bernd Leno enjoyed a steady first season in England as the Gunners’ number one and kept nine clean sheets in all competitions – Arsenal do not need to bring in another stopper who is no better than the German.
With Leno already being Arsenal’s definite number one, the club also has enough cover in the squad to provide both sufficient competition and cover.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who helped keep Reading in the Championship last term will be returning this summer. The Argentine still has three years remaining on his Arsenal contract and could play a role next term.
David Ospina, who spent last season on loan at Napoli, will also be returning to the club but Napoli do have an option to turn the deal into a permanent one. Ospina’s situation remains unclear.
If the club insists on bringing one more stopper to the club then it shouldn’t be Neto. An extra pair of hands wouldn’t hurt to provide a bit of reassurance but with a £70 million release clause, Arsenal should move for a much lower priced goalkeeper.