- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Arsenal and Liverpool have two of the best and strongest squads in the Premier League, but there is always room for improvement.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are aiming to win the Premier League title this season.
Arsenal have picked up 71 points from 31 matches and are at the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool, too, are on 71 points, but the Reds are second on goal difference. Defending champions Manchester City are third. Pep Guardiola’s side are on 70 points.
Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, both Arsenal and Liverpool are fully aware that they will have to make changes to their respective squads and improve the playing personnel in the summer transfer window.
One area that both Arsenal and Liverpool are looking at is the goalkeeping department. The Gunners and the Reds are on the hunt for a back-up goalkeeper.
Arsenal and Liverpool scouting Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson
HITC understands that Arsenal and Liverpool are keeping tabs on Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and watched him last week.
The two Premier League clubs had scouts present at the Stadium of Light this past Saturday when Sunderland took on Bristol City in the Championship. The match ended in a goalless draw.
HITC revealed in January that highly-rated goalkeeper Patterson was on the radar of a host of clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool.
Both clubs are looking at options for their number two goalkeeper, and homegrown Patterson is a major appeal.
HITC has previously stated Arsenal are set to sell England international goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after he dropped behind David Raya in the pecking order.
The Gunners are expected to make Raya’s loan deal from Brentford permanent.
We have also confirmed that Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher could be allowed to leave Anfield, as he is ready to become a number one.
Alisson is the number one goalkeeper at Liverpool. When fit and available, the Brazil international starts.
Anthony Patterson is highly rated
Patterson is one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship and is rated very highly.
He is only 23 now, but he has already made over 200 appearances in his career, including matches in Premier League 2, FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League.
Patterson has made 41 appearances in the Championship for Sunderland this season.
Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray worked with the youngster at Sunderland, and he rates him highly.
In January 2023, Mowbray said about Patterson: “The goalkeeper… listen, he’s a top goalkeeper.
“I’ve been in football more than 40 years and this kid is a very talented boy who has an amazing temperament.
“Nothing fazes him, he’s very calm about everything, he’s not bouncing all over the place and losing the plot. He’s a very calm goalie who makes great saves.”
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