Arsenal remain active in the transfer market with mere days remaining, but fans are feeling concerned about the rumoured addition of Sam Tickle.
Arsenal have been linked with Wigan Athletic’s Tickle, with the England Under 21 international seen as a potential third-choice option for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners are also close to signing Joan Garcia, who would be placed ahead of Tickle and act as the backup to fellow Spaniard David Raya, should Aaron Ramsdale leave the club this summer.
Ramsdale is currently in talks with Southampton as the shot-stopper searches for first-team football elsewhere. His departure would leave Arsenal in need of the incomings in goal, in case of an injury to Raya.
Gunners fans have been left underwhelmed by the rumoured option of Tickle, however, with the speculation causing uproar on social media.
Arsenal fans share disappointment as Sam Tickle rumours emerge
Many took to X to react to the Tickle news, with the prospect of signing a third-choice ‘keeper not exactly what they’d hoped to be reading.
One Arsenal fan sarcastically said: “Exactly what the fans wanted to hear”, with another saying: “Yeah, let’s sign 10 goalkeepers but not sign a forward.”
Another tweet read: “What’s wrong with Arsenal? It’s either a defender”, while one added: “Are we not exploring a deal to bring in a winger or striker? This club is in the gutter, honestly.”
Further disappointment continued with one fan saying: “I’m pretty sure we should be concentrating on signing some outfield players?”, with another going as far as to say: “I don’t want to know about goalkeepers until we’ve triggered Nico Williams’ release clause.”
Some did choose to see the funny side of Tickle’s rather unusual name, with one saying: “I don’t think he’ll tickle a lot of fan’s fancy.”
A final adds: “I think it’s quite important for the third keeper to have a silly name so I’m definitely up for this.”
Sam Tickle may be shrewd business for Arsenal
Understandably, rumours of signing a third-choice goalkeeper may not bring the excitement seen when a first-team option is linked, but Arsenal could do much worse than signing Tickle.
At only 22, he has a full season of senior football under his belt in League One where he won Wigan’s player of the season in the process.
He has also been capped at England Under 21 level and impressed in The Latics’ FA Cup tie with Manchester United last season.
It remains to be seen whether this deal materialises, with Wigan likely to demand a decent fee for one of their prized assets.
If Tickle does complete a switch to the Emirates though, Arsenal fans can be pleased with what is a promising, young English shot-stopper.
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