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Arsenal are reportedly ‘exploring a deal’ for highly-rated goalkeeper Sam Tickle who plays for League One side Wigan Athletic.
It is no secret that Mikel Arteta has been attempting to overhaul the goalkeeping department at the Emirates all summer, a process that started with the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford.
The Gunners are hoping to sign two more keepers as well as sell the unwanted Aaron Ramsdale who lost his No.1 status to Raya last season.
One of the new shot-stoppers has to have homegrown status which initially led to their interest in Wolves’ Dan Bentley.
He is still under consideration, but The Athletic report that Tickle is now on their shortlist as well having enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2023/24.
The 22-year-old made 52 appearances in all competitions for Wigan last season, keeping 18 clean sheets and was named the club’s Player of the Season.
His efforts helped the Latics finish in the top-half of the League One table, an impressive feat given they started the campaign with an eight-point deduction.
Moreover, Tickle earned a call-up to the England U21s, making his debut under now Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley.
With four years left on his Wigan contract, it remains to be seen how much a transfer would cost, while Tickle himself maybe reluctant to join the Premier League giants as he’d be going from first to third-choice keeper.
If he does sign, it will not affect Arsenal’s pursuit of Espanyol’s Joan Garcia whom they have agreed personal terms with but the transfer appears to be on hold until Ramsdale is sold.
On Tuesday, Wolves pulled out of the race to sign the 26-year-old but Southampton and Ajax remain interested with just a few days to go before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal are content to loan Ramsdale out but have been unable to agree on the valuation of the option or obligation to buy clause they want inserted.
Arteta’s side will be hoping to continue their winning start to the season when they host Brighton on Saturday.
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