Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

New Arsenal man Matt Turner reveals Mikel Arteta’s ‘main message’ for him; talks Aaron Ramsdale battle

Matt Turner of Arsenal

New Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner has revealed what manager Mikel Arteta said to him following confirmation he would be joining the Gunners this summer.

Turner is an 18-time USA international who has been on New England Revolution’s books since March 2016. Following two loan spells at Richmond Kickers, Turner has gone on to play 111 games for Revolution.

The 27-year-old has never played outside of America, but he will get that opportunity next season. Arsenal have reportedly paid the Revs £7.5million to bring Turner to Europe.

He arrives with good pedigree, having won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award last season. He also won the 2021 Gold Cup with the USMNT, keeping a clean sheet against Mexico in the final.

Turner will likely play his last game with Revolution on June 19. He will link up with Arteta’s side five days later to begin preparing for his maiden Premier League campaign.

During an interview with Sky Sports, Turner revealed what Arteta said to him and referred to his impending battle with Aaron Ramsdale for the number one spot.

On Arteta, the shot-stopper said: “We’ve talked a little bit. His main message for me was just to focus on what I need to focus on right now, getting through these next few months, staying healthy, staying fit and getting ready for pre-season and compete.”

When asked if he would arrive as backup to Ramsdale, Turner added: “I can see why they’d assess it that way.

Matt Turner praises Aaron Ramsdale

“Aaron had an amazing season for Arsenal and played well all year. I’d agree with it for now. I’m coming in to push him and become the best goalkeeper I can become, while also making him the best goalkeeper he can become.

“That’s really my goal for it all. The DNA of this team is possession-based and I believe that’s what they will expect from me when I get on the pitch.

“It’s the area of my game that some call a weakness but one where I’ve improved over the past few months. I’m connecting a few more passes, reading the game better and understanding the way I can hurt teams a lot better.

“We don’t play that [passing] style in New England but when I go with the national team, we do. When I have extended periods with the national team, I read the game better and make more passes.

“I’m excited to be at Arsenal to do that every single day instead of two or three weeks here or there.”

Turner will provide Ramsdale with some healthy competition for the goalkeeper spot next season. However, it’s hard to see where Bernd Leno fits in.

The German made just eight appearances for Arsenal last term and that will only reduce now Turner is in the mix.

Leno has reportedly held talks over a move to Fulham. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if the 30-year-old left the Emirates to become a regular starter elsewhere.

Meanwhile, a report has given a double update on the futures of Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and transfer target Arthur Melo.