Arsenal in goalkeeper transfer race as Everton searches for Jordan Pickford deputy
Jordan Pickford is having a brilliant Euro 2020 campaign. The Everton keeper has managed to keep five clean sheets and is yet to concede a goal in the quadrennial tournament. He now proudly sits with the great Gordon Banks as the only two English keepers to keep clean sheets in all group games of a major football tournament. Banks did it in 1966 at the World Cup and Pickford has done it at this year’s Euros.
The Englishman was in sparkling form for Everton as well, especially in the second half of the 2020-21 season. Last season, when Carlo Ancelotti was the manager, he adopted a rotation policy for goalkeepers as well, giving Robin Olsen chances from time to time. The Swede was on loan from AS Roma but has returned to the Giallorossi upon expiry of his loan deal.
This means, Everton will have to search for a new keeper who deputizes for Pickford. New manager Rafael Benitez will seek to bring an able keeper as a backup to Pickford and also rotate when necessary.
The Toffees have been linked to Neto of Barcelona, Sergio Romero, Wojciech Szczesny, Alex Meret and many other keepers. Barcelona are looking to get rid of several players and Neto is one of them but it appears Everton won’t be a likely destination for the Brazilian.
Arsenal eye Everton target Neto as the Toffees search for Jordan Pickford backup
Arsenal are also in search of a keeper and are interested in signing Neto. The Gunners were linked with the 31 year old in January but a deal never took place. Neto has had a hard time at Camp Nou, managing just 17 outings in the Barca shirt over two seasons. The Brazilian wants more playing time and the Blaugrana are open to selling him.
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Mikel Arteta believes Neto will be perfect for Arsenal and is insisting on getting the deal done. As per the Express, Neto prefers to join Arsenal as Arteta is keen on the Brazilian. This leaves the likes of Everton and Roma behind the Gunners in the race.
If Neto is inclined to joining Arsenal, Everton will have to explore other options. The player’s desire puts the North London club comfortably ahead in the race, however, there’s no offer yet from the Gunners.
The Toffees could sign Romero on a free transfer as the Argentine became a free agent after his deal with Manchester United ran out on June 30. Just like the Olsen operation, potential loan deals can also be considered.
Pickford will be Everton’s main man between the sticks and all the debates of him not being good enough have been put to bed, following a strong campaign for the Toffees and his recent exploits at the Euros. But Everton’s search for his deputy carries on.
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Who will be the backup to Jordan Pickford next season?