MIKEL ARTETA hilariously joked he wanted Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill to be his new goalkeeper.
Arsenal are set for busy end to the transfer window as they look to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who has joined Southampton for £25million.
Mikel Arteta joked he was open to signing reporter Gary Cotterill[/caption] The Arsenal boss was keeping his cards close to his chest on transfers[/caption]Bournemouth stopper Neto is set to sign for the Gunners on a season-long loan.
The 35-year-old Brazilian is currently undergoing a medical at the Emirates after already agreeing personal terms.
Quizzed on the signing by Cotterill, Arteta replied: “We have to replace Aaron [Ramsdale].”
The journalist then asked if any other players were going to leave the club, saying: “What about any outs?”
Arteta quickly responded with a smile: “What about you?”
Cotterill laughed and said: “Am I tall enough?”
The Arsenal boss then joked he could be his new goalkeeper, replying: “If you are agile, mobile enough and you have the courage – let’s try.”
Fans found it hilarious and one said: “What a gaffer.”
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Another commented: “I love this guy.”
A third reacted: “The fanbase is having a meltdown and he’s cracking jokes.”
Arsenal have only signed defender Riccardo Calafiori and midfielder Mikel Merino so far this summer.
It appears the club will not be bringing in an attacker despite reports linking them with Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman and a shock move for Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling.
TRANSFER Deadline Day is here - with clubs against the clock to finalise their summer business.
Chelsea reportedly remain in talks to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli, with time running out for the Blues to complete a deal.
Meanwhile, Ivan Toney is expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, according to reports.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are set to walk away from their long-running pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
In other news, Chelsea and Juventus remain in discussions over a deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho ahead of the 11pm deadline.
Follow our LIVE DEADLINE DAY BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from the Emirates