Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners sign Chelsea ace on loan, Eddie Nketiah joins Crystal Palace, and more - August 31, 2024
Arsenal welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates on Saturday, August 31, in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's team come into the game in sizzling form, having won both their matches so far this season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have secured the services of a Chelsea forward in a temporary deal. Elsewhere, Eddie Nketiah has moved to Selhurst Park this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from August 31, 2024.
Arsenal sign Raheem Sterling on loan
Arsenal have announced the arrival of Raheem Sterling in a temporary move from Chelsea on transfer deadline day. The English forward was deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge this summer and was linked with an exit throughout the transfer window.
Manchester United reportedly had their eyes on the 29-year-old, who also had admirers in the Middle East. However, the Gunners have now won the race for Sterling and have signed him on a loan deal.
The Englishman arrives at the Emirates with vast experience of winning trophies during his time at Manchester City. He could be a fine addition to Mikel Arteta's relatively young attack.
Eddie Nketiah joins Crystal Palace
Eddie Nketiah has permanently joined Crystal Palace this summer, Arsenal have confirmed. The English forward was no longer part of Mikel Arteta's plans and was previously in talks to move to Marseille this summer.
However, the Ligue 1 giants failed to agree on a deal with the north London side, forcing the transfer to break down. Nketiah has been in and out of Arteta's starting XI in recent times, but his stock remains high.
Palace entered the race in recent weeks and managed to secure his services on deadline day. His departure was part of Mikel Arteta's efforts to streamline his squad over the summer.
With Kai Havertz flourishing in a No. 9 role and Gabriel Jesus also in the squad, the Spanish manager has enough cover to address Nketiah's departure. The 25-year-old has appeared 168 times for the north London side to date, scoring 38 goals and setting up seven more.
Gunners sign Neto on loan
Arsenal have announced the arrival of Neto from Bournemouth on a season-long loan deal. Mikel Arteta was considering the Brazilian as one of two possible replacements for Aaron Ramsdale this summer.
The English custodian was unsettled at the Emirates after dropping behind David Raya in the pecking order. Ramsdale has now opted to join Southampton in a permanent move to get his career back on track.
Arteta also had his eyes on Joan Garcia as a possible candidate to replace Ramsdale. However, once it was clear that pricing him away from Espanyol would be difficult, the Gunners quickly shifted focus to Neto. A deal for the Brazilian was completed on Deadline Day.
Speaking to the club's website, Neto said that he had always dreamed of arriving at the Emirates.
“I’m realising a dream in my life, a dream come true, and I’m really, really happy. I had two dreams as a kid to play for a football team. It was my team in Brazil, where I grew up and became a professional footballer, and also Arsenal. And now I’m realising it! I’m a really lucky person," said Neto.
He continued:
“To all the supporters of Arsenal, I’d just like to say I’m one more fan here. My dream has come true, I’m really happy. Depend on me, I’ll give more than 100% to give everything for Arsenal.”
Neto will remain a backup for Raya this season.