Mikel Arteta is now weighing up a transfer for a Chelsea target who Arsene Wenger wanted Arsenal to sign in 2017 amid early doubts over the future of a Gunners star.
The north London natives have recorded another strong season as they challenge to win the Premier League title. Arteta also took Arsenal to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2010. But the Spaniard still sees scope to further strengthen his team.
Arsenal already have the best offence and defence in the Premier League this term with 88 goals scored to 28 conceded. Yet the Emirates Stadium outfit are relying on favours to deny Manchester City another crown as Arsenal prepare to face Manchester United and Everton.
Arsenal weigh up rivalling Chelsea for the transfer of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford
And one Everton player may yet end up at Arsenal next season as Arteta is now weighing up a transfer for Jordan Pickford. That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports that the Gunners are considering rivalling Chelsea to sign the goalkeeper as the Toffees might have to sell him.
Everton will likely have to consider bids for the 30-year-old as they try to balance their books after breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) twice. So, Arsenal are considering making a bid that would deny Chelsea a leading target to be their new No1.
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Chelsea have been leading the race for Pickford as they seek an upgrade for Robert Sanchez and Dorde Petrovic. But Arsenal could now scupper their plans as it is not certain that Arteta will use the Gunners’ £27m option to buy David Raya at the end of his loan from Brentford.
Raya moved to north London in August and replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s No1 after the September international break. The 28-year-old has since started all 30 Premier League fixtures available to him and has already won the Golden Glove award with 15 clean sheets.
Pickford has kept 12 clean sheets during his 36 Premier League appearances as Everton bid to avoid relegation for a third successive season. Arsenal also admire Pickford’s ability on the ball and his passing range, which could now see Arteta rival Chelsea for his summer transfer.
Arsene Wenger tried to sign Jordan Pickford from Sunderland in 2017
Arteta targeting a transfer for Pickford could even see him move to the Emirates seven years after Wenger failed to sign him from Sunderland. The Evening Standard claimed in May 2017 while quoting Wenger calling Pickford ‘exceptional’ that the Gunners had lodged an enquiry.
Wenger tried to sign Pickford in the January 2017 window and loan him back to Sunderland before the goalkeeper suffered an injury. In the end, the Black Cats endured relegation from the Premier League that term and Pickford sealed a £25m, rising to £30m, switch to Everton.
Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus and Real Madrid all admire Jordan Pickford
Arsenal will likely have to rival Chelsea if Arteta opts to push on with the Gunners’ interest in a transfer for Pickford. According to TBR Football, the Stamford Bridge team are huge fans of the Everton goalkeeper and are keeping tabs on his availability given the Toffees’ PSR issues.
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Pickford is one of the Blues’ most sellable assets as they strive to avoid a potential third PSR breach. The England international is also considering his future at Goodison Park as while he is committed to Everton, Pickford is weighing up if it is time to join a squad fighting for titles.
TBR also adds that FC Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid admire Pickford and like Arsenal or Chelsea can provide the Everton star a chance to compete for trophies. The 60-cap Three Lions stopper has never touched a single piece of silverware in his professional career so far.
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