With Bernd Leno losing the number one spot to Aaron Ramsdale, the German shot-stopper will likely want to move on. Thus, Arsenal are in the market for an understudy for the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United keeper in case Leno departs. New England Revolution’s Matt Turner has been identified as a transfer target following his strong domestic and international season.
Arsenal Interested in Matt Turner
Talks Opened Between Arsenal and New England Revolution
Even though no official bid has been made yet, James McNicholas of The Athletic reports that Arsenal are trying to secure the signature of Turner from the Major League Soccer side.
With former £22.5 million goalkeeper Leno no longer needed and potentially seeking a move away, the 27-year-old American could be seen as an ideal replacement to back up Ramsdale. If Arsenal are to qualify for Europe this year, they will most likely need a formidable second-choice goalkeeper for next season. Turner would provide that.
Matt Turner Deserving of Major Move Following Phenomenal 2021
Turner has spent his entire career in the United States. He broke into the New England Revolution starting 11 in the 2018 MLS season and swiftly claimed their number one role. He maintained the starting position for the following two seasons, and performed notably well in 2020, conceding just 28 times in 27 appearances and keeping seven clean sheets.
He earned his inaugural United States Men’s National Team call-up as a result. His first outing for the international side resulted in a clean sheet in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. He had to wait until the Gold Cup for his next chances between the sticks for the USA. Turner played a key role in the USMNT’s lifting of the trophy, conceding just once in their six matches, and thus maintaining his status as a starter in their next five World Cup Qualification matches. The goalkeeper made 13 USMNT appearances last season, during which time he saw just four goals go past him and set a new USA record of nine international clean sheets in a calendar year.
For the United States, 2022 will spark a war between Manchester City’s Zack Steffen and Matt Turner for who will be their first-choice goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup, provided they qualify for the competition. Regardless of who the number one may be in Qatar, Turner is deserving to join his international teammate in the Premier League. Arsenal would be acquiring a more-than-capable backup.
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