Nottingham Forest have reportedly ‘reached an agreement’ to sign Arsenal goalkeeper with the Gunners close to bringing in an instant replacement.
Keylor Navas was Steve Cooper’s first-choice shot-stopper from January onwards last season but he looks set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain after his loan spell came to an end.
Dean Henderson, who was also on loan with Nottingham Forest last term, has been linked with a permanent move to the City Ground. It now seems, however, that Cooper has decided to pursue a move for Turner instead.
The United States international signed for the Gunners from MLS side New England Revolution last summer. Turner made seven appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last term, keeping three clean sheets.
Turner may have been behind Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order but is considered to be a top player. He also has plenty of experience under his belt, making 32 appearances for the US national team so far.
According to reputed transfer journalist David Ornstein, Turner’s move to the Tricky Trees is all-but completed, and Arsenal are pushing to bring in David Raya from Brentford to replace him.
On Twitter, he wrote: “Nottingham Forest have reached agreement with Arsenal to sign goalkeeper Matt Turner. The US international is scheduled to undergo his medical later today. Arsenal are working to finalise deal for David Raya from Brentford.
As previously reported by Football365, Arsenal have already made a bid of £20m plus add-ons for Raya this summer.
Brentford rejected this offer but it is believed that £30m would be enough to secure his services. Raya has just one year remaining on his Bees contract and is considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League on his day.
The Spaniard played every minute of Brentford’s 2022/23 Premier League campaign. In the process, he kept 12 clean sheets and conceded just 46 goals.
Interestingly, Arteta recently hinted that he is looking to bring in competition for Ramsdale.
When asked if the England international was ‘feeling the pressure’ amid Arsenal’s links with Raya, Arteta said: “I hope not because the competition always exists whoever it is. That’s how it has to feel like.”
With Turner’s move to Nottingham Forest on the verge of completion, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can finalise a deal for Raya before the start of the season.
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