Arsenal is set to sign United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Matt Turner, 27, from Major League Soccer side, New England Revolution, confirmed by USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter.
Following the USMNT’s World Cup Qualifier against El Salvador on Thursday night, Berhalter confirmed in his post-match press conference; the deal is set for €7m plus €3m in bonuses and will reinforce Arteta’s squad in the summer.
The move to Arsenal is a great career move for Turner, who sparked interest in him following his fantastic performance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer. Since he’s been a constant starter in Berhalter’s squad, proving that he can perform at the highest level.
During the off-season, Turner is set to become one of many players transferred from MLS to a European-based team. In this window, Turner will be the first to land a gig in the Premier League straight from the MLS.
Matt Turner to Arsenal from New England Revolution, done deal confirmed. Full agreement for €7m plus €3m bonuses, now time for paperworks. Turner will join Arsenal in summer and not in January - ready for next season ⚪️🔴 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 28, 2022
USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter confirms the deal. pic.twitter.com/UC16YMZfWK
His performances with New England Revolution and the USMNT have been phenomenal, and he has undoubtedly deserved an opportunity with a European team. Like many US players, it was just a matter of time to make the jump across the pond.
He has helped the Revolutionaries to a top-spot finish in the Eastern Conference. In his 28 appearances this season, he had a total of 155 shots taken at him and made a whopping 120 saves while letting as few as 38 goals in. For the season he accumulated a 77.4 save percentage.
How will Matt Turner’s playing future at Arsenal be decided?
Since Bernd Leno and Aaron Ramsdale are fantastic goalkeepers, Turner will not have an easy task landing a starting spot under Arteta. Training and featuring in more minor matches for the Gunners will help Turner develop and improve as a shot-stopper.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper will constantly battle against teammate and Manchester City goalkeeper, Zach Steffen, for the USMNT number 1 spot. This year, it is no doubt that the New England Revolution player will make it to the World Cup.
With Arsenal closer and closer to a Champions League spot, having a third goalkeeper is a smart move for Arteta. Having Leno and Ramsdale be a focus on major competitions, Turner can slowly gain minutes in more minor games and slowly develop his reputation amongst the Gunners.
Matt Turner will continue with the New England Revolution over the next couple of months, where he will dispute his final minutes in MLS. It’ll be exciting to see when and how Arsenal will utilize his services and how quickly he will adapt to English Football.
He is known to not crack under pressure, as we saw in the Gold Cup–playing in England shouldn’t be much of a problem for the US international.