Neto tipped for Juventus return as free agent after nine years

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 20: Norberto Murara Neto of Juventus FC looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 20, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

A familiar face to Serie A viewers is emerging as the favourite free agent to join Juventus, as former Juve, Fiorentina and Arsenal goalkeeper Neto is tipped to sign.

The Bianconeri found themselves suddenly scrambling for a new shot-stopper, after Kamil Grabara was ruled out for at least four to six months by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

Guglielmo Vicario is first choice after his arrival on loan with option to buy from Tottenham Hotspur, but there is no understudy ready to step in.

Coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed the club is seeking a free agent to bolster their options, and names mentioned include Sergio Rico, Alfred Gomis and Adam Stejskal.

Neto top target for Juventus

However, the favourite is someone who already has experience not just of Italian football, but specifically also of the Juventus jersey.

Neto wore the Bianconeri shirt from 2015 to 2017, making 22 appearances, and before that first came to Serie A for Fiorentina in 2011.

Since the departure from Turin in 2017, the 37-year-old has played for Valencia, Barcelona, Bournemouth, Arsenal and Botafogo, becoming a free agent when the Brazilian contract expired on June 30.

There are several reasons why he would be a wise choice, including his low wage expectations and the fact he has Italian citizenship, so won’t count as a non-EU player.