“I’m coming to push him” – Matt Turner sends Aaron Ramsdale warning ahead of Arsenal move

United States goalkeeper Matt Turner has warned he won’t be content with a place on the bench for long when he completes his move to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old agreed a transfer to the Gunners from MLS side New England Revolution back in February, remaining with the 2021 Supporters’ Shield winners until July 1st.

That date is now fast approaching and ahead of his New England farewell at home to Minnesota United this weekend, Turner has revealed he’ll be trying as hard as he can to ‘push’ Aaron Ramsdale and perhaps take his starting spot.

“I’d agree with it for now,” Turner said when asked about his role as understudy to the England international. He added: “I’m coming in to push him and become the best goalkeeper I can become, while also making him the best goalkeeper he can become. That’s really my goal for it all.”

What will Matt Turner bring to Arsenal?

By the time he arrives in North London, Turner will be 28 years old. Although he was a late bloomer, the goalkeeper has already run up plenty of experience, making over 100 appearances for the New England Revolution and picking up 18 caps for the United States so far.

“The project they have going on there, [I want to be] an important part of the locker room, adding some experience – not a ton of Premier League experience – but national team experience, league experience and playing games in pressured environments. I’ll be an older head in the locker room, being 28,” said Turner.

While Ramsdale is known primarily for his skills with the ball at his feet — and criticised recently for his shot-stopping — Turner is a more traditional goalkeeper.

The radar above shows Turner (green) making a high number of saves, claims and recoveries during the 2021 MLS season — his final full campaign with the Revs — in comparison to Ramsdale (red), who far outstrips his American counterpart when it comes to passes attempted and number of sweeper ‘keeper regains during the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Turner has admitted in the past that he’ll need to improve with the ball at his feet, with the Revs playing a more old-fashioned style under Bruce Arena. That said, the goalkeeper tends to adjust well to a more progressive style when playing under Gregg Berhalter at national team level.

With a World Cup coming up at the end of the year, it’s no surprise Turner wants to battle hard for a starting spot — as well as Ramsdale, who is currently up against Jordan Pickford for the England No.1 jersey.