Arsenal are set to announce the signing of Matt Turner from New England Revolution in the summer for a fee believed to reach £7.5 million, football.london understands.
Mikel Arteta has been on the lookout for a backup to Aaron Ramsdale ever since the former Sheffield United stopper usurped Bernd Leno as Arsenal’s number one.
Turner took part in MLS media day and was asked about his future move to north London and it became immediately obvious why Arteta, in particular, has taken such a liking towards the current American number one. Discussing his journey up until this point, there is one clear characteristic that stands out, motivation.
"When I first started, it was trying to become a professional soccer player," he said to ESPN. "Most teams said no. I came in and I was a No. 3, I was a two. When I got my first chance with the national team it was only as the number three.
"No one ever really took me seriously, so I'm not going over there just to collect a check and ride off into the sunset. I'm going to push myself and [Ramsdale] and continue to help him get better and help myself get better."
The words of Turner sound brilliantly similar to how Aaron Ramsdale himself spoke regarding joining the Gunners in 2021.
"Competition is key and it’s also a great place to be. Bernd’s done a fantastic job over recent seasons and I’m here to push him all the way and take his shirt," said Ramsdale.
Mikel Arteta is trying to build a squad of players motivated to achieve the absolute maximum from their performances. Players that have decided not to follow his instructions or buy into his rhetoric have been sold, loaned out or are awaiting their incoming departure.
Meanwhile, football.london understands that Leno is expected to leave in the summer, hence the early pursuit of Turner.
This is hardly surprising when reading back over the former Bayer Leverkusen keeper’s comments about being ousted by Ramsdale so soon into his early career.
"There was no clear reason why I was out, but it had nothing to do with my performance. He [Arteta] is the trainer, he decides. Of course, it’s difficult for me," said Leno.
"London is very nice; Milan is not bad either & closer to my home Stuttgart. But I’m not seriously thinking about that yet. I feel comfortable at Arsenal & in London. Only if nothing changes in my situation by winter would I have to think about things."
No clear reason? The reason that Ramsdale took the place is the goalkeeper provided far more of what the Arsenal manager wanted to play out from the back.
Ramsdale has had an immediate impact, not only on keeping clean sheets, for which he sits 3rd in the Premier League, but also scoring. His quick thinking began the slick passing move that led to the opening goal against Southampton.
Had Leno been able to prove that he too could deliver a level of distribution to that of Ramsdale and continue to be resolute between the sticks, Arteta would not have needed to invest so heavily in a competitor.
Yet Arsenal fans watched on as goals and points were conceded and dropped against the likes of Watford and Burnley due to poor passing decisions.
Turner’s distribution is not yet at the level of USMNT teammate Zack Steffen, let alone Ramsdale. However, it is still of good standing and the attitude of the player is clearly exactly what Arteta wants in a new signing. Arsenal fans should look forward to seeing what the bargain stopper brings to the team next year.
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