Arsenal went into the summer transfer window knowing they would need a backup goalkeeper for the 2025/26 season.

Neto was signed on loan from Bournemouth last year but made just four appearances during his year-long spell for the . The 35-year-old was not helped by the fact he was cup tied for the Carabao Cup, which meant was forced to feature 55 times during the 2024/25 campaign.

It is still possible that Karl Hein returns to and fights for the No.2 goalkeeping spot. The 23-year-old spent the season on loan at Real Valladolid and had a decent year personally, although the Spanish side finished rock bottom of La Liga.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

football.london understands, however, that and are admirers of goalkeeper . It's believed the shot-stopper has agreed to make the move across the capital and act as competition to Raya for the coming years.

The club will only have to pay the £5million release clause plus the player's wages, which are expected to have dropped since he signed in west London from Athletic Club, which was a world record fee for a goalkeeper at the time. He became Bournemouth’s starter last season, and despite missing five league games finished sixth in the clean sheet table for goalkeepers with eight.

On the face of it the deal makes sense. Kepa is a decent No.2 and for £5million it appears to be a win-win for all parties. That's especially when you consider what Arsenal could have paid instead.

The north Londoners had been heavily linked with Joan Garcia and were interested in buying the goalkeeper from Espanyol, football.london understands. It appears that Barcelona have won the race to sign the 24-year-old, however, with the Spanish giants paying his €25million (£21.2million) release clause.

With Kepa seemingly joining Arsenal instead of Garcia, it means the Gunners have saved £16.2million on their backup goalkeeper transfer. This could be seen as a transfer masterclass by Berta, especially as Arteta's side are also in the market for another defender, central midfielder, striker and wide forward.

Martin Zubimendi's deal to Arsenal is all but done, it's understood, with only a medical left to complete. Benjamin Sesko appears to be the preferred striker option with the Gunners and RB Leipzig in constant talks over a potential move. With an additional £16.2million in the bank, Berta may just have some more wiggle room when it comes to negotiating additional arrivals.