On deadline day, Arsenal signed Neto on loan from AFC Bournemouth, after allowing Aaron Ramsdale to complete a permanent move to Southampton.
The 35-year-old will provide cover to David Raya, who is the first-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates. Prior to this, Arsenal showed keen interest in Espanyol star Joan García.
Last week, claims from Spain reported that the 23-year-old had a verbal agreement with Arsenal. It was also stated the Gunners tabled a €20m bid, but the La Liga side referred to his €30m release clause.
Mikel Arteta’s side wanted García to be a backup for Raya and refused to invest €30m to sign him. However, they made an approach to sign the Spain U23 international in the last window.
Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza spoke to the reporters on Monday, and his quotes are relayed by Sport.
The outlet points out the stopper came close to joining the Premier League side in the last window. The director is pleased to have retained the star amid Arsenal’s interest.
“There have been movements. We have had to work hard. There have been conversations, situations to work through. Situations to handle,” he said.
“We are dealing with a great goalkeeper, but we are also dealing with a great person. His behaviour, his poise, his harmony and his tone of voice… for me, he’s top 10. That’s what I’ll take from him.”
Mundo Deportivo have relayed comments from Espanyol CEO Mao Ye, who is also pleased to have retained García at the club.
The Spanish club returned to the topflight this season and Ye claims it was vital for them to hold on to the stopper.
“The president has always prioritised sporting performance over economic performance. We have never pushed for a sale if it has not been in economic conditions close to the clause,” Ye explained.
“As far as Joan García is concerned, we think it is the best thing for the club and for him. After a great season, he will be in a better position to assess his professional career.
“In terms of the club’s project, the fact that there are many transfers does not mean that there is no project, this year we have to guarantee our status, to be in the first division, and from there to continue building our assets.”
“But if you want to do that, you don’t have to mortgage your future, committing to players that will mortgage next summer would be the worst thing that could happen to us. All we have done this summer is to guarantee a competitive year without mortgaging the future.”
Given Neto is on loan, and how highly rated Joan García is, there’s a reasonable chance Arsenal could return.
