Friedel slams Arsenal transfer decision and left perplexed by next club choice
Former Premier League stalwart Brad Friedel has questioned the wisdom behind Matt Turner's potential move from Arsenal to Nottingham Forest.
The ex- Liverpool and Tottenham stopper is in a position to give a unique perspective regarding the trajectory of USMNT number one's career, having managed him at the New England Revolution. The retired goalkeeper gave the Gunners back-up his debut in MLS back in 2018 and has clearly kept a close eye on his progress in the time since.
Of course, Turner eventually departed his home country for the Emirates Stadium last year but failed to make an impact during his first campaign under Mikel Arteta. Unable to dislodge first-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from his starting berth, the American did not make a single Premier League appearance last term.
After only playing seven games in all competitions during the previous campaign, Turner's former coach Friedel has now expressed his surprise at the 29-year-old's decision to leave MLS in the first place. Speaking on The Transfer Show on Sky Sports, he asserted: "I don’t know, he is a great kid but I never understood his move to Arsenal.
"He went from New England Revolution, there were other suitors for him and he is good enough to be a number one in the Premier League or another club in Europe. Why did he choose to do that? I don’t really know. He was an Arsenal supporter growing up, but that can’t be a reason why you sign for a number two, not to play football."
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With the North London giants now closing in on a deal to sign Brentford's David Raya, it would appear that the route to first team minutes is about to become even more congested. As a result, a move to Nottingham Forest looks set to be on the cards for the Arsenal outcast as he looks to kick-start his career in England.
Having been faced with potentially becoming the third choice at the 13-time Premier League champions, it would appear that he could be made to play second fiddle again to Dean Henderson at the City Ground. The Manchester United academy graduate spent last on loan season with Steve Cooper's side and could be set to return, as per Fabrizio Romano.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner looks set to be departing Arsenal this summer after failing to make the breakthrough at first-team level. (Photo by Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) (Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)However, the former Blackburn Rovers ace Friedel is not convinced a move to the Midlands club would be wise either and has stated his belief that Turner should be wary of becoming a back-up again at Forest. He added: "If he is going [to Forest], from what I hear, he is going as a number two to Forest, maybe it gives him more of a chance to play.
"Maybe he was told that they were going to bring in [David] Raya and he was going to be a number three. I hope for his sake that he will be given a fair shake to be the number one at Nottingham Forest
"He is a great kid and a really good goalkeeper. If he is signing as a number two elsewhere, again, I just don’t understand that. There are other teams he can play for as a number one."
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