As reported by David Ornstein, Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner is being linked with a move to Nottingham Forest as the Midlands club continues their hunt for a number one for the coming season. The American made seven appearances last term for the Gunners but has yet to make his Premier League debut since arriving from New England Revolution last summer.
Turner Targeted by Nottingham Forest for Their Vacant Goalkeeping Role
🚨 EXCL: Arsenal exploring deal to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya. No bid yet but #BrentfordFC aware of interest. #FCBayern also pursuing but 27yo keen to join #AFC. #NFFC considering Matt Turner; gap in valuations but dialogue ongoing @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/0D69bVZ75Q
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 30, 2023
Nottingham Forest to Choose Between Dean Henderson and Matt Turner
The other option for Nottingham Forest is last season’s loanee Dean Henderson who is currently back with parent club Manchester United. The two sides are currently at the negotiating table with a one-year loan and an obligation to buy being favoured according to The Athletic. The stumbling block in negotiations is an agreement on the number of games Henderson would need to play to activate the clause.
This is of primary concern for the 2022 Championship Play-Off Winners due to Henderson’s long-term thigh injury that has kept him out since January. This stagnation in negotiations has caused the team to look elsewhere and seek preliminary conditions of a deal with Arsenal for Turner although currently there seems to be disparity in a valuation.
As of now, Ornstein cautions that there is “..no guarantee a move will happen” due to the discrepancy in value between the two parties.
Potential Incoming of David Raya
Mikel Arteta is looking to bring Brentford goalkeeper David Raya to The Emirates to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale’s spot with the Spanish goalkeeper preferring a move to Arsenal over other clubs vying for his signature as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Read More: Arsenal Look to Sign Premier League Star Despite Personal Terms Agreed With Spurs- He Wants to Join
Arteta has previously spoken about the need to sell due to his 30-man squad size being ‘unsustainable’ so with the addition of Raya, it would seem logical that Turner gets moved on.
What Would Matt Turner Bring to Nottingham Forest
Turner brings with him a wealth of experience from his time playing in the MLS with New England Revolution where the 29-year-old kept 24 clean sheets in 111 appearances. His experience stretches to the international stage having gained 32 caps for the USA national team. Since arriving from across the Atlantic, he has never seriously challenged Ramsdale for the number one shirt at Arsenal hence the interest in Raya.
However, in his seven appearances across all competitions last year he kept four clean sheets, an impressive ratio given the irregularity of his playing time. Turner is a commander of his defence and a real leader. Although he may not have the distribution of Ramsdale or Henderson, Turner’s sensational shot-stopping ability could easily keep Forest in games and quickly win over the hearts of the supporters.
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