Arsenal’s agreement with the New England Revolution in the MLS for the signing of their first-choice goalkeeper Matt Turner was disclosed on February 11, 2022. It was confirmed that the MLS side and Arsenal had consented to a deal (said to be worth $6 million with a potential rise to $10 million) that would see the goalkeeper move to Arsenal in the summer of 2022.
Turner’s signing means that he’ll be behind the impressive Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order while Germany’s international goalkeeper Bernd Leno will be given the privilege to move elsewhere, where he would be guaranteed a starting berth.
The likelihood of Bernd Leno’s departure has paved the way for the American who is known for his shot-stopping and frightening penalty saves. He has a 45% penalty save, especially denying former Manchester United winger, Nani on two occasions.
The American has over 109 appearances for New England Revolution, conceding 143 goals and keeping 24 clean sheets. Though not too common among goalkeepers but Turner has picked up five yellow cards and a red so far in his career.
Matt Turner made his international debut with the USA Men’s National Team in 2021, amassing 16 international appearances and magnificently keeping 11 clean sheets in those matches.
BACKGROUND CHECK
Matt Turner hails from Park Ridge in New Jersey, a small community of merely below 9,000 people. He spent time with Fairfield Stags and Jersey Express between 2012 to 2015. He signed for the Revolution in 2016 but then sent on loan to Richmond Kicker, playing 27 matches.
The 6ft 3in goalkeeper made his MLS debut on March 3, 2018, in the Revolution’s season opener against Philadelphia Union, making four saves in a 2–0 loss. The then, the 26-year-old keeper was voted by the club fans as Revolution team MVP, while his teammates voted him the Revolution Player of the Year, and Revolution supporters group the Midnight Riders voted him the Midnight Riders Man of the Year.
After Turner’s recent game against El Salvador, the USA MNT coach, Gregg Berhalter, confirmed Turner’s move to Arsenal. “It’s an amazing story,” Berhalter said. “His work ethic, his belief in himself, and his never-give-up attitude, it’s a great story and Matt is a great guy, a great team-mate. We’re lucky to have him.
“Tonight was an example where he did everything he had to do. He was calm in all situations, wasn’t tested much, but he was there when we needed him and he looked like a guy that’s going to Arsenal for sure.”
Barely six years ago he wasn’t considered to be good enough for the MLS draft, and incredibly, he has progressed to the level where he’s deemed to be a national team player and is now on his way to Arsenal.
Though concerns have been raised about his fitness level and the amount of game time he would be exposed to at Arsenal. Aaron Ramsdale has become a fan favourite since displacing Leno in the starting lineup.
With the sudden emergence of Aaron Ramsdale and his impressive form this season, Arsenal’s incoming second-choice goalkeeper looks likely to be another big surprise for the Gunners next season.
