In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey mentioned that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson. It has been claimed that both the Gunners and Liverpool have sent scouts to catch the English talent in action recently.
Patterson’s Impressive Form In The Championship
Patterson has enjoyed a decent campaign at the English club after putting in a series of impressive displays for them in the EFL Championship. The 23-year-old has conceded 53 goals and kept 12 clean sheets in 43 matches for Sunderland this season across all competitions.
The English sensation has done well to average 0.6 clearances and 4.2 long balls per game in the EFL Championship. He has even distributed the ball accurately from the back after completing 75.9% of his attempted passes in the second tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the English club will expire in the summer of 2028 which would make it difficult for the Gunners to snap him up at the end of this campaign.
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Get Patterson On Board?
Patterson can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks and can use his quick reflexes to make a few important saves for his team. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when required and can pass the ball relatively well from the back.
Someone with Patterson’s skillset and quality would be a good, second-choice keeper for a top club like Arsenal. He is good enough to help the Gunners compete across all fronts in the coming years. At the moment, Patterson is enjoying his football at the Stadium of Light but it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of top-flight football if Arteta can manage to bring him to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
At 23, Patterson has got his best years ahead of him which makes him a worthy target for the North London club to consider in the summer transfer window. With all things considered, Arsenal should try everything in their power to secure the services of the English keeper before the start of the new campaign.
