Impending Arsenal arrival makes vow over key battle; explains why move could not be refused
Matt Turner says he is not just joining Arsenal “to collect a cheque” but will instead refuse to be written off as competition for Aaron Ramsdale.
The New England Revolution have confirmed they have reached an agreement to sell their goalkeeper to Arsenal in the summer. Matt Turner will become a member of Mikel Arteta’s squad for next season.
Arsenal are yet to announce the transfer themselves. They are expected to wait until he completes a medical in the UK before doing so.
But that has not stopped the USA international speaking about his upcoming move. Indeed, he has told the Evening Standard how he will be trying to compete with No. 1 Ramsdale when he arrives.
“When I got my first chance with the national team, it was only as a No. 3,” Turner said.
“No one ever really took me seriously, so I’m not going over there just to collect a cheque and ride off into the sunset.
“I’m going to push myself. I’m going to push Aaron and continue to help him get better and help myself get better.”
Turner will turn 28 in June. Moving to the Premier League at this stage of his career will be the fulfilment of a dream.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “You dream. You don’t really see a clear path of how it’s going to happen, but you just trust the work and trust your dream every single day, and continue to work hard, be self-aware, know what you need to work on, and listen to your coaches around you.”
Matt Turner joining ‘one of the biggest’ clubs
Now that such a dream is about to come true, Turner knows he is getting an irrefutable opportunity.
He added: “I understand that it’s really challenging to get your foot in the door, so it’s really hard to say no to not only the chance to go fulfil a dream, but also to go challenge myself at the highest level and play for one of the biggest, most recognisable brands in the world in Arsenal.”
For now, Turner will continue in the MLS until the summer. Until then, it will be Bernd Leno providing competition for Ramsdale.
The latter has surpassed expectations since joining from Sheffield United in the summer. As such, he has usurped Leno as first choice.
Leno is now expected to leave for somewhere he can inherit a regular starting spot again. Turner – who notably did not mention the German – would then fill the void.
Newcastle are one of the clubs to have been linked with Leno, meanwhile.
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