Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a move to sign New England goalkeeper Matt Turner for a fee of £7.5million – but will not bring him in until the summer, which could prove to be a blow for Newcastle United.
Turner, 27, kept just five clean sheets in 28 games in the MLS last season for New England – but Arsenal have chosen to bring the 13-time USA star to The Emirates. An initial fee of £4.5million could rise to £7.5million, as per MLS.
But the report makes the interesting claim that Turner will not arrive at Arsenal until the summer. Many were of the opinion that Turner would be a replacement for Germany international Bernd Leno, who is on the bench.
One of the club’s biggest earners, Leno has entered the last 18 months of his contract and given he is warming the bench – he might have been sold before Monday. 90Min report Newcastle were eyeing a loan deal.
But instead, Turner is to remain with New England during the first half of the 2022 MLS season – and their CONCACAF campaign. Arsenal will likely keep Leno as Turner stays, a blow for Newcastle who had eyed Leno.
Newcastle blow as Arsenal sign Turner: Leno would have been class
There is no doubt that Martin Dubravka is one of Newcastle’s best players and at his best, he is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. But recently, he has struggled, and Newcastle need in-form players.
Dubravka has made a couple of errors and Newcastle cannot afford that. Bringing in Leno would have given them an experienced international with huge quality, commanding in the box and good with the ball at his feet.
On loan, the Arsenal man would have been a real coup but with Turner joining the Gunners in the summer – instead of now – Leno will have to remain at The Emirates, and Newcastle will miss out on the German.
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