‘Top-notch’: Micah Richards has already told Arsenal fans exactly what to expect from ‘amazing’ new signing

Arsenal added not one but two signings on transfer deadline day as Mikel Arteta bolstered his squad in the final hours of the window.

The summer has been a positive one for Arsenal with three important deals struck before deadline day.

Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino both secured big moves to the Emirates Stadium whilst David Raya’s loan has been turned permanent.

Raya has earned huge praise for some stunning saves and Calafiori has impressed Gary Neville but Merino is facing a spell on sidelines through injury.

Arsenal then pounced for two deadline day deals as goalkeeper Neto and winger Raheem Sterling arrived.

Sterling was the headline capture as Arsenal pounced to sign the Chelsea misfit, striking a loan deal in the dying embers of transfer deadline day.

Micah Richards will love Arsenal’s Neto deal

Neto’s move from Bournemouth to Arsenal wasn’t quite as eye-catching.

In truth, the signing of a new second-choice goalkeeper is never likely to set pulses racing.

Arsenal allowed Aaron Ramsdale to join Southampton and needed to land a replacement in the final hours of the window.

In came Neto, penning a loan deal for the rest of the season without an option or obligation to buy.

The Brazilian had seen Kepa Arrizabalaga arrive at Bournemouth and has now made the move to Arsenal.

That won’t result in more first-team action with Raya around but one man who will certainly back Neto at Arsenal is Micah Richards.

Pundit Richards played alongside Neto at Fiorentina and has previously spoken highly of Arsenal’s new signing.

Speaking on the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast back in 2021, Richards picked out Neto when asked to name the best goalkeeper he had ever played alongside.

Richards named Joe Hart in the end but marvelled at just how good Neto is with the ball at his feet, hailing him as ‘top-notch’.

“Neto as well who is at Barcelona. I was with him at Fiorentina. He is amazing with his feet. He was top-notch,” said Richards.

Edu finally gets his man

It was no surprise to see Neto receive the call to replace Ramsdale at Arsenal.

Neto has been linked with Arsenal for years now, even going back as far as 2020, when Neto was still with Barcelona.

The links resurfaced in 2021 but Neto had doubts about joining Arsenal, fearing for his playing time.

Arsenal were even keen on Neto in 2022, so this has been a long-running interest in the 35-year-old stopper.

Additionally, Neto is represented by the Bertolucci Sports agency – the same agency which represents Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes.

Former Gunners targets Bruno Guimaraes and Danilo are also on their books with Edu no doubt having a strong relationship with lead agent Giuliano Bertolucci.

That connection has paid dividends for Arsenal with Neto now finally at the Emirates Stadium and ready to push Raya all the way this season.