The goalkeeping department was never an area many expected Arsenal to be focusing their efforts on this January and whilst the club remains interested in signing a midfielder and striker, their closest deal looks to be for the man between the sticks.
Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of New England Revolution and USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner. The stopper, now 27, would come in and compete for a place with the senior group after several attempts to find a suitable number two concluded in the summer of 2021 with the signing of a new number one instead.
Aaron Ramsdale fit much more of what Mikel Arteta was looking for in a goalkeeper and his passing attributes reflected that. Meanwhile, Bernd Leno has been guilty of high-profile errors in his passing game leading to opposition goals.
It looks as though Leno will leave soon and football.london understands that Mikel Arteta has already told the German international he is happy for him to move on.
Newcastle United are said to be an interested party and with Leno valued at £14.4 million, according to Transfermarkt, perhaps Arsenal could bring in further funds, remove some high wages and redirect the money into other areas.
However, the move for Matt Turner is expected to cost the club a figure rising to around £10 million.
There has been some apprehension regarding how well Turner uses his feet. USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter however been praised the stopper’s passing.
“I think he did a great job,” Berhalter said speaking in February of last year after Turner’s first start in the national side in which he saved a penalty.
“There was times when he was under pressure. It was great that guys were opening up and Matt made the right decision every single time. That’s all you can ask for. I think he did an excellent job not only with his feet but making the penalty save was an amazing moment in the game. Really proud of Matt for what he has done this whole camp.”
Little is known about the American amongst the wider Arsenal fan base but through some statistical comparisons, it becomes clear why the Gunners are interested in Turner. Analysis which also should quell any nerves regarding his passing.
On the matter of distribution, when looking at a comparison between Aaron Ramsdale (2021/22) Bernd Leno (2020/21) and Matt Turner (2021), the passing stats averaged per 90 minutes according to FBRef provide some clarity on the American’s level.
In regards to the pass completion percentage, Leno comes out on top with 79.8% whereas Ramsdale follows with 72.3% and Turner at 68.2%.
The reason for these lower accuracies is the progression the latter pair of keepers have to their distribution. Whilst Leno only progresses the ball 320.5 yards per 90, Ramsdale (461.5) and Turner (460) attempt to play the ball further upfield as Arteta prefers.
Turner’s short passing (between 5-15 yards) percentage totals at 97.2% compared to Leno’s 100% and Ramsdale’s 98.9% but as the pass distances increase, Turner begins to stand out more.
Passes between 15 and 30-yards Turner wins out with 99.5%, Ramsdale 99.3% and Leno 98.9%. Extending the distance further to passes longer than 30 yards. Turner wins again with a 54.9% completion compared to Leno 46% and Ramsdale at 43.3%.
Turner, like Ramsdale, is also not afraid to put faith in his technical ball control with how far he dribbles out before deciding to pass short or long. Ramsdale unsurprisingly wins with 59.1 progressive yards per match. Turner follows with 42.5 and Leno falls behind with 37.3.
Regarding save percentage, Turner (74.2%) wins out over Leno (69.2%) again but Ramsdale (80%) stars in this area and it has been easy to see why this season. Turner also managed to save two penalties last season which, as Arsenal fans will know, is a prized commodity in north London.
It is difficult to know how Turner would ultimately fare taking the step up the Premier League. However, Arteta has shown a desire to change his goalkeeping style to players who can distribute both short and long passes accurately. Turner has displayed this and improved dramatically, as quoted by his national team coach.
Ultimately having a player such as Leno as a backup simply does not have longevity. Turner solves this problem similar to that of Zack Steffen at Manchester City. Another US import who has supported Ederson exceptionally. Turner will hope to emulate his former MLS competitor and fight for a Premier League appearance in the near future.
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