Arsenal may soon have a clear path to sign reported target Norberto Neto in January, with Barcelona close to finalising a transfer for Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
That’s according to Ekipa, who report the Blaugrana are on the verge of taking Dimitrievski to the Camp Nou. His arrival in Catalunya is considered imminent, after Barcelona reached an agreement with Rayo Vallecano for the 28-year-old shot-stopper’s signature.
Dimitrievski will switch La Liga sides to provide Marc-Andre ter Stegen with competition in Xavi Hernandez’s squad. The North Macedonia international has been among the Spanish top-flight’s best this season with six clean sheets in 18 appearances.
Several rival Spanish sides also sounded out Dimitrievski’s availability for a mid-season switch. His performances between the sticks have helped Rayo Vallecano sit seventh in the standings after 20 games. They are also just two-points from the Champions League spots.
Dimitrievski to Barcelona would clear Arsenal route to Neto transfer
But Barcelona are set to sign Dimitrievski from Rayo Vallecano, amid doubt in Neto’s future and transfer interest from Arsenal.
The Daily Mail tout Neto as an option for Arsenal in case Bernd Leno leaves in a mid-season transfer. Mikel Arteta has moved on from the German as his first-choice after paying £24m for Aaron Ramsdale in the summer. Leno has not featured at all in the league since August.
Neto, meanwhile, has told Barcelona he wants to leave the Camp Nou after playing two La Liga games this season. That’s according to Sport, who note the Blaugrana are not against his exit to save on his salary. But Barca would want €18m (£15m) to sell the 32-year-old.
The Spanish publication also cite Arsenal as a potential destination for Neto if he targets a transfer away from Barcelona. Yet Arteta would need to convince the Brazilian that he will get minutes in north London as he eyes a return to the Brazil side ahead of the World Cup.
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