Why ‘special talent’ snubbed Arsenal on transfer deadline day for key Mikel Arteta position

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Arsenal were busy late in the summer transfer window as they looked to bolster the squad for the upcoming Premier League title challenge.

Mikel Arteta transformed his goalkeeping ranks over the summer, adding David Raya and Tommy Setford to the side.

Aaron Ramsdale joined Southampton on transfer deadline day in a deal worth an initial £18million rising up to £25million.

With the need for a backup goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium, quick work was made for Arsenal to land Neto on loan from Bournemouth for the season.

It came as the side missed out on a permanent transfer for Joan Garcia and Sam Tickle as promising young options.

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Sam Tickle snubbed late Arsenal transfer

With Arsenal on the lookout for promising young goalkeepers, Wigan goalkeeper Tickle was one player the side was looking at in the market.

The 22-year-old has impressed in League One, becoming the first-choice option for the Latics over the past season.

His boss, Shaun Maloney, described him as a “special talent” with all the attributes to succeed at the top level.

While the Gunners have seemingly spotted exactly that, their attempts to land him on transfer deadline day failed.

According to The Sun, Tickle was eyed as a potential third-choice option for the club but he snubbed that opportunity.

The report claims that the Wigan star wasn’t interested in dropping down the pecking order with the move across.

It comes as a potential blow to Arteta, though he could look to convince him over a move further down the line.

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Arsenal goalkeeper transfer decision may pay off

While Arsenal couldn’t land one of the promising, up-and-coming options with the gloves over the transfer window, Edu Gaspar still made some smart decisions.

The move for Neto on loan from AFC Bournemouth for the season brings in an experienced backup option if required.

Meanwhile, it gives the side breathing room for the next year to make the groundwork on signing a long-term option in goal.

It remains to be seen whether that’ll be Tickle, Garcia or someone else entirely, but Arsenal aren’t in the business of rushing around and making poor decisions anymore.