There have been reports of Arsenal’s potential move for USMNT international Matt Turner and his current club New England Revolution have now made the official announcement via @revolutionsoccer.net. The 27-year-old custodian is set to arrive at the Emirates in late June ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Foxborough, Massachusetts ➡️ London, England.
The #NERevs have agreed to a Summer transfer of @headdturnerr to join @Arsenal in June of 2022.
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) February 11, 2022
The Gunners have paid a fee of around $6m (that could potentially rise to $10m based on certain add-ons) to secure his services. They currently have three senior goalkeepers in their ranks, however, both Bernd Leno and Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson are expected to part ways in the upcoming summer window.
Smart Move From Arsenal
Leno has lost his ‘number 1’ status following Aaron Ramsdale’s staggering £30m transfer from relegated Sheffield United. The Englishman has silenced his critics with some inspiring performances and the German international, therefore, must seek a summer exit to reclaim regular gametime.
Rúnarsson, on the other hand, was roped in from Dijon as a squad option, but the Icelandic keeper failed to impress in limited appearances across competitions. He has joined the Belgian First Division A side OH Leuven on a season-long loan which also includes an option-to-buy clause if certain criteria are met by the end of the current season.
The Rise Of Turner
Turner is a renowned name in the States who rose to fame in recent years with New England Revolution. He spent his college career with Fairfield Stags and was eventually roped in by the Greater Boston-based outfit after a successful trial. The shot-stopper was sent on loan to Richmond Kickers to attain first-team minutes and a promising spell in USL saw him cementing a starting spot soon after returning to the MLS. So far, he has made around 100 appearances to his name in the top flight of American soccer.
His emergence has also been acknowledged by the United States chief Gregg Berhalter who handed him his international debut a year ago. Soon he replaced Zack Steffen as the new ‘number 1’ and his heroics in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup earned him the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Turner kept 5 clean sheets in 6 games including a 1-0 victory against Mexico in the final.
Although Ramsdale is set to retain his place in Arsenal goal, there would be a lot more games next term if the Gunners regain their European status. Mikel Arteta would welcome competition across the pitch and the arrival of Turner would certainly add depth as well as quality between the sticks.
