Arsenal have formally announced the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on a long-term deal.
The Gunners had Neto as their backup shot-stopper behind David Raya last season. The Brazilian made just one appearance in the Champions League where he was largely error-prone.
Neto recently returned to Bournemouth after his season-long loan. Arsenal have now confirmed Arrizabalaga as his successor. He has been signed for his £5 million release clause.
Arrizabalaga told the club’s official website: “I’m really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming.
“The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], how much they show me their desire to win.
“I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”
Arrizabalaga had a tough career with the Blues, but he fared much better away from the club last term.
The Spaniard spent the campaign on loan with Bournemouth. He made almost 100 saves in the league and had a save success rate of 71 percent – the fourth best in the division.
Arrizabalaga also kept eight clean sheets for the South Coast outfit. He has had a weakness against long-range shots in the past, but conceded just twice from such situations.
The Athletic Club graduate had the opportunity to play regular first-team football elsewhere, but he has accepted the opportunity as a deputy shot-stopper behind Raya.
The 30-year-old, who was on £75,000 per week at Chelsea, should represent a good signing for the Gunners, considering his vast experience in the Premier League.
Arsenal were previously keen on landing Espanyol sensation Joan Garcia for £21m, but sporting director Andrea Berta had reservations over spending big for a backup.
Garcia eventually chose to join Barcelona instead. In the process, Arsenal have saved £16m in transfer funds, which should be added to the budget to bolster the attack.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Capology.com