Arsenal will be forced to play Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round without one of their summing signings. The Gunners welcomed some big names to the Emirates Stadium during the transfer window, tying David Raya down to a long-term contract before signing Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.

Then, on deadline day, Edu wrapped up a pair of loan deals for Raheem Sterling and Neto. Unfortunately, though, Mikel Arteta won’t be able to hand the latter his debut when Arsenal host the League One outfit on Wednesday night.

Before swapping the south coast for north London, Neto had already featured three times for Bournemouth this season; twice in the Premier League and once in the Carabao Cup second round. The 35-year-old goalkeeper captained the Cherries in a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium.

While Andoni Iraola’s side have been knocked out, Neto is ineligible to feature for Arsenal in the tournament due to competition rules. In the Carabao Cup Rules Handbook, Rule 6.4 states: “No registered player shall play for more than one club in the competition in any one season.”

Sterling, however, who was also signed on loan from a Carabao Cup participating club in the summer, will be eligible to feature in the competition for Arsenal, having not featured in this season’s tournament for Chelsea.

Without Neto, Arteta will be expected to name either Raya, Jack Porter or Tommy Setford, who joined from Ajax in July, between the sticks against Bolton. Therefore, the Bournemouth loanee’s ‘dream’ must be put hold for now.

Upon joining Arsenal, Neto described playing for the club as a dream. Speaking to the official club website, the Brazilian said: “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.

“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.”

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Carabao Cup third round, Arteta was asked whether Raya will play. Keeping his cards close to his chest, the Gunners boss said: “Let’s see how they are today. We’ll try to make a call on that if we believe that’s a possibility.”