New England Revolution head coach Bruce Arena has said that goalkeeper Matt Turner is on the verge of completing a move to Arsenal which will go through in the summer.
Speaking to the Boston Herald, the five-time MLS Cup-winning manager revealed that the transfer of the Revs’ number one keeper to the north London side is all but complete, with small details needing to be signed off before the signing can be announced.
Turner will become the second MLS signing Arsenal make this week, with the Gunners also announcing on deadline day that they had agreed to a deal with the Colorado Rapids for centre-back Auston Trusty.
Arsenal are set to strengthen their squad in a big way in the summer after a January transfer window that saw plenty of outgoings and no players brought in for the month, with Trusty set to join in the summer.
As well as the 23-year-old defender, Turner is expected to arrive in north London, with the USA international set to replace Bernd Leno as the club’s back-up goalkeeper. And according to Arena, the deal is close to being completed.
The former DC United and LA Galaxy boss said: “Obviously everyone is aware of Matt Turner with the summer transfer to Arsenal. There is not much more to comment on that and if it hasn’t been fully executed than it will be.”
Turner signing shows Arteta is preparing Arsenal for Europe
A goalkeeper reaching his prime, Turner is an interesting option as back-up for Aaron Ramsdale given the American’s more than average ability on the ball. Yet the signing could hint that Mikel Arteta is planning to flesh his squad out for Europe.
Whilst Turner might not be as good as Ramsdale on the ball, the Revolution star is an excellent shot-stopper and is the ideal keeper for tournament football. And for Arsenal, the American’s skillset could be perfect if the Gunners qualify for Europe.
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