Arsenal could be busier in the January transfer market than many people thought…
In recent days the Gunners have been linked with the likes of Jose Gaya from Valencia and Julian Draxler from Wolfsburg. Now, reports from the London Evening Standard suggest that the Gunners are eyeing Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The youngster has been hugely impressive this season, arguably the best in the Premier League on form, and the report says Arsenal would be looking to sign him and then loan him back to Sunderland for the remainder of the season. Upon conclusion of the season Pickford would be in contention to replace Petr Cech, whose form has been somewhat questionable this season.
This deal looks very possible and Arsenal have already made contact with Sunderland, but a fee is yet to be agreed. Sunderland currently have no money to spend in January so selling him for a high fee and keeping him for the remainder of the season would surely appeal to David Moyes, who hasn’t yet had time to apply his print on the squad.
Manchester City and Everton have also been linked with Pickford, 22, who has 9 caps for the England under 21 team. His recent performances has seen people call for him to play for the senior team.
Pickford turns 23 in March and has a contract at Sunderland until 2020, so he is unlikely to be cheap, and he’s English!
It would be right to send him back on loan for the rest of the season and it also makes the deal a lot more realistic and easier to complete. But should Pickford keep up such good form and Cech continue to struggle, then you wouldn’t be surprised to see Cech dropped next season.
Ospina has quality, but there remains concerns over his lack of physicality to cope in the Premier League.
More to come and this one develops…