One Premier League club are now keen to move on a player that Mikel Arteta let leave Arsenal just one year ago.
Nottingham Forest are now seeking to sell former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The Gunners sold Turner to Nottingham Forest last summer, with the goalkeeper signing a four-year contract with the Midlands outfit, as reported by BBC Sport. However, just one season on, the American has already been deemed surplus to requirements at the City Ground.
Turner began the campaign as Forest’s first choice between the sticks, but slipped down the pecking order following some error-strewn early performances. He did not feature for the club in the Premier League again after the end of January, and made just 17 top flight appearances in total, conceding 28 goals in that time.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has his own issues to contend with in that part of the pitch. Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave Arsenal in this summer transfer window. There are a number of goalkeepers that Arsenal may consider to bring in and offer backup to David Raya.
However, the Gunners’ recruitment record in this position has been somewhat patchy. Whilst Raya and Ramsdale has proven to be largely successful signings, Alex Runarsson was a flop, as was Turner.
Matt Turner fails to impress after Arsenal exit
According to journalist Alan Nixon, reporting on his Patreon page: “Nottingham Forest will move out American keeper Matt Turner to bring in some cash. Turned joined from Arsenal last season but failed to make the position his own and could now be sacrificed to balance the books.”
The 29-year-old apparently has some suitors in Europe, but it seems unlikely that he will be gracing the Premier League again next season.
Whilst he never looked like a natural fit on the pitch at Arsenal, the 41-cap USA international was a popular figure behind the scenes at the Emirates Stadium. Turner was recently spotted catching up with Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli whilst on international duty.
Mikel Arteta must learn from failed goalkeeper signings
The most important thing that Arsenal must consider when seeking to sign a new goalkeeper this summer is the prospective player’s tactical suitability for Arteta’s team. The Spanish coach demands that his goalkeepers be comfortable with the ball at their feet and capable of passing out whilst under pressure.
This was never Turner’s strength, and as such his chances of succeeding at the club were hugely diminished even upon his arrival. Arsenal cannot afford to make the same mistake again.