Premier League giants Arsenal have reportedly identified a Wigan Athletic player as a summer target, despite him emerging on the radars of several Championship clubs.
Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed a strong start to their Premier League season, beating both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, scoring four goals without reply as they sit joint top of the table.
However, after releasing goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo (who’s since signed for Wrexham) and Aaron Ramsdale looking likely to depart on loan to Southampton before Friday’s deadline, it appears as though one potential incoming between the sticks has been identified which would see Arsenal dive into League One.
Tickle to Arsenal?
According to a report via the Athletic, Arsenal have identified Wigan Athletic shot-stopper Sam Tickle as a potential new addition before the transfer window closes on Friday evening.
With Ramsdale set for an exit, Arsenal are reportedly chasing an homegrown goalkeeper to join their side, with Tickle now being someone under consideration by the football club.
The Athletic have confirmed that Arsenal will sign at least one new goalkeeper before the window slams shut.
How has he fared this season?
The 22-year-old has been an ever-present feature for Wigan Athletic since bursting into the first team picture via the club’s academy system.
During the previous campaign, Tickle made 52 appearances in all competitions which includes him featuring in all 46 League One matches last season, keeping a total of 18 clean sheets and made his England U21’s debut.
So far this season, Tickle has featured in all four of Wigan Athletic’s matches, keeping a clean sheet during their 1-0 victory against Crawley Town.
Tickle had Championship interest
Although Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign Tickle, they aren’t the only club that has had their eyes on the shot stopper so far this summer.
Championship side Plymouth Argyle have been interested in signing the goalkeeper after losing Michael Cooper to Sheffield United, though they have now signed Blackpool’s Daniel Grimshaw which has all but ended their pursuit.