Arsenal are apparently ‘exploring a deal’ for highly-rated goalkeeper Sam Tickle, who now plays for League One club Wigan Athletic.
It is no secret that Mikel Arteta has been working to rebuild the Emirates’ goalkeeping department all summer, beginning with the permanent acquisition of David Raya from Brentford.
The Gunners hope to add two more keepers and trade Aaron Ramsdale, who lost his No. 1 spot to Raya last season.
One of the new shot-stoppers must be a homegrown player, which is why they were initially interested in Wolves’ Dan Bentley.
Although The Athletic reports that Tickle is now on their radar as well, he is still being considered. Tickle had a breakout season in 2023/2024.
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.