Arsenal transfer target Neto ‘hands in transfer request’ as Barcelona keeper wants first-team action
ARSENAL transfer target Neto has demanded a Barcelona exit in search of first-team football, according to reports.
According to SPORT, the Brazilian keeper is fed up of playing second fiddle to German international Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
And it is claimed Neto, 31, has handed in a transfer request days after being linked with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
Neto is understood to have a staggering £177m release clause included in his contract.
But Spanish reports say that Neto has pleaded with Barca to lower his price tag making it easier for him to depart.
And the Catalan Giants are understood to be open to letting the once-capped Brazil interntion leave the club.
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Barcelona paid Valencia an up-front fee of around £23.2 million for the glovesman in 2019.
But he has only figured in 14 games in the last two seasons.
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Arteta has already admitted that Arsenal are actively looking for a more experienced back-up option behind Bernd Leno, after allowing Emi Martinez leave for Aston Villa in the summer.
And Neto has close ties within the North London outfit through his agent Kia Joorabchian.
He also represents David Luiz, Willian and Cedric Soares who all already play for the club.