Player Profile: Matt Turner

Player Profile: Matt Turner

By Jonny Bray
Papers are reporting that a deal has been agreed in principle between Arsenal and New York Revolution for United States keeper Matt Turner.
The shot-stopper is expected to be brought in as Aaron Ramsdale’s long term number two, with Bernd Leno rumoured to be on his way out of the club.
Turner will be unknown to many Gunners fans, but he has an impressive CV on the international stage and plenty of experience despite being just 27 years old.
The New Jersey-born goalie has had a fascinating career so far, and it looks like he will bring a lot to an already exciting Gunners side.
And after Mikel Arteta silenced the critics with his decision to bring in Ramsdale, there’s no telling what Turner could go on to achieve in north London.

Turner’s career so far

The 6ft3 keeper made his debut at Jersey Express, making 24 appearances between 2014 and 2015.
He came through the collegiate pathway and defied expectations by signing for New England Revolution after not being selected in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.
And he hasn’t looked back since, making his debut in March 2018 before going on to secure his spot as his club’s first-choice stopper.
He’s gone from strength to strength since 2020 and was named the Revolution’s MVP, an incredible achievement for a player once not considered good enough to be drafted.
His best moment in the US came in the summer of 2021 when he saved two penalties in the 2021 MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars.
And now it looks as if he could be on the verge of a big move to Europe.

What would he bring to Arsenal?

With 14 international caps, it looks as if Turner is becoming the USA’s first choice in goal.
And it’s easy to see why, with his national team lifting the CONCACAF Gold Cup last year in convincing fashion after years of widespread criticism being flung at the side.
He was crucial in that triumph, recording five clean sheets and being named goalkeeper of the tournament.
He’d be an incredibly experienced number two, and it’s easy to see why Mikel Arteta would be keen on bringing him in if it were a possibility.
And with two top-quality goalkeepers becoming increasingly necessary at the highest level of the game, Turner could actually prove to be quite an important player in the years ahead.
He’ll be key in cup competitions and in Europe if Arsenal are able to qualify, but you have to assume Ramsdale will start if the Gunners manage to snatch a Champions League spot.

Should Arsenal sign him?

I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen enough of Turner to make an educated decision on this, but he was outstanding in the Gold Cup.
And you have to believe that signing an experienced international as your second-choice keeper is a good decision.
On top of that, it makes sense as he appears to be signing for a small fee and the club are unlikely to recoup much of Bernd Leno’s transfer fee.
So, considering Arteta was proved right with Ramsdale, I do not doubt that Turner could succeed in north London.
Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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