Arsenal appear determined to strengthen their goalkeeping department with the signing of USA international stopper Matt Turner.
According to reports, the Gunners have launched a ‘strong bid’ to secure a deal for the New England Revolution man in an attempt to secure his signature before the end of the January transfer window.
It is suggested that he could arrive at the Emirates Stadium as a potential replacement for Bernd Leno. football.london understands that the German international has been told he can leave north London after falling down the pecking order with the arrival of summer signing Aaron Ramsdale.
With some movement expected over the final window, football.london takes a look at what the Gunners could potentially expect from Turner should he arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
Who is Matt Turner?
Turner is a 27-year-old goalkeeper currently plying his trade for New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.
He kicked off his footballing career with college outfit Fairfield Stags before spending a period with Jersey Express.
Having built up a reputation in the US, he was picked up by New England in 2016 after impressing on trial, overcoming the disappointment of not being selected in the 2016 MLS Superdraft.
Turner has since made 106 appearances for his current employers, whilst also having racked up 13 outings for the US Men’s National Soccer Team.
Why do Arsenal want him?
With Leno’s future looking uncertain and third-choice stopper Runar Alex Runarsson currently out on-loan with Belgian outfit OH Leuven, it makes sense for the Gunners to bolster their goalkeeping options.
Despite that, Turner has emerged as a talented goalkeeper within his own right.
Alongside international recognition, he was named as New England’s fans' MVP, whilst he was also named the Player of the Year by his peers, whilst also scooping the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The Gunners will certainly hope he can replicate the success of compatriot Zack Steffen, who has emerged as a very capable goalkeeper after swapping Columbus Crew for Manchester City in 2019.
Where would he fit in?
It is hard to envisage Turner challenging for the No.1 shirt considering the continued impressive form of Aaron Ramsdale.
However, should Leno depart then it appears likely that the American would be granted a place on the bench - whilst he might be handed the opportunity to impress in cup games, albeit the Gunners' participation in domestic trophies has ended for this season.
What has been said?
New England Revolution manager Bruce Arena has previously been complimentary of his goalkeeper, saving him special praise for his performances throughout 2020.
He said: "He's been our most consistent player this year, no question about it.
“We need to get other players to play more consistent game in and game out. We've had some very good performances, but not on a consistent basis like Matt has performed."
Elsewhere, former Chelsea goalkeeper Kevin Hitchcock also suggested that Turner is a ready-made Premier League player.
He said: "I've worked with a lot of top Premier League goalkeepers, and he's up there with the top three I've worked with.
"I know at this moment, he is as good as any top Premier League goalkeeper."
