Arsenal are still interested in one Championship star as they consider potential replacements for Aaron Ramsdale, with the goalkeeper’s future at the Emirates in some doubt.
It would be little surprise to see Aaron Ramsdale leave Arsenal this summer after a campaign in which the £30 million star has spent the majority on the bench, as understudy to David Raya.
Ramsdale has been the number one for most of his time at Arsenal before Raya’s arrival, so you can understand why Newcastle are one of the teams keen on Ramsdale.
According to a report from talkSPORT, Arsenal have a three-man shortlist to potentially replace Ramsdale, and one of those on their radar is Anthony Patterson.
Anthony Patterson on three-man shortlist as Arsenal target new goalkeeper
Arsenal want Wojciech Szczesny, while talkSPORT claims that the Gunners could also look to reunite Raya with former Blackburn Rovers teammate Jason Steele.
Patterson is the option who is yet to gain any experience in the Premier League, but he has almost been an ever-present for Sunderland in the league over the last two years, only missing the final day of this season after being left on the bench.
The 23-year-old has kept 13 clean sheets in the Championship this season, conceding 52 times. Only four teams in the division conceded fewer goals than the Black Cats this term.
Former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray noted that he has an ‘amazing‘ temperament during his time at the Stadium of Light, so that may be something which particularly appeals to Arsenal.
A gamble to move if Gunners come calling
It is obviously one of the hardest roles in football to be the number two goalkeeper, so the Gunners will be looking for someone who is content to play that role while also good enough to come in if needed.
It would be a gamble for Patterson to take on that challenge given that he is only 23 years of age. But a title challenger such as Arsenal may also not come calling too often, so Patterson may be wary of rejecting a move.
Ultimately, Arteta has been prepared to be brave with his goalkeeper selection decisions down the years, so whoever comes in may back themselves to put some real pressure on Raya.