Arsenal had a very near miss in midweek.
At one point, it looked like Arsenal were set to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United in what would’ve been a £30 million move.
But it was widely reported shortly after that Edu had pulled the plug on that deal, much to the delight of Gunners fans everywhere because let’s face it, there’s overpaying and then there’s dropping £30 million on Ramsdale.
And now the talk is about a loan for Barcelona goalkeeper Neto and if this materialises, it’s a fine bit of business by the North Londoners’ Brazilian director.
Why is it good business?
It’s good business because Arsenal have much more pressing issues than a goalkeeper.
Yes Bernd Leno is no Alisson Becker, but he’s also not the main reason that Mikel Arteta’s side are looking a little rubbish, after losing 2-0 to Brentford on Friday.
And by abandoning the Ramsdale idea in favour of a loan, Edu is saving the Gunners a £30 million sum which can be put toward strengthening other areas of the squad.
A playmaker and a striker are far higher on Edu’s shopping list than a goalkeeper and there’s no telling how much of a difference that £30 million could make.
Let’s be honest, Arsenal’s biggest problem last season was scoring goals [11th-placed Aston Villa scored the same amount – 55] and how on Earth would Ramsdale change that?
Even with Leno as number one, Arteta’s side can still have a very good season if the offence is sorted out – and by ditching Ramsdale for Neto, Edu has ensured that Arsenal have a good chunk of money available to patch up the most pressing areas.
With no European football, Arsenal’s number two – whether that’s Neto or somebody else – won’t be playing a lot of games this season regardless and with Leno costing £22 million three years ago, there’s zero sense in having £52 million worth of goalkeepers at the club when your overriding problem is scoring goals, not conceding them.
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