United States of America international Matt Turner has joined Arsenal in a long-term deal from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution, the club has announced. The Gunners agreed to the transfer of the custodian in exchange for a fee in the region of eight million pounds earlier this year and have now officially welcomed him into the fold.
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar confirmed the club had Turner on its radar for a while before welcoming him to North London for the season ahead.
“We are delighted that Matt is joining us. Matt is a goalkeeper with established qualities and experience, who will be a great addition to our squad,”
“We identified Matt some time ago and worked hard to ensure that his transfer was complete so he could join us in time for our pre-season in July. We now look forward to Matt joining us, settling into his new home, and working ahead of next season.”
Edu told the club website.
28-year-old Turner began his professional career at the now-defunct Jersey Express, a fourth-tier US-based side, before signing a contract out of the SuperDraft with MLS franchise New England Revolution in 2016. Turner spent the first of his six years with the Revs on loan at United Soccer League side Richmond Kickers and returned to take up the role between the sticks for his parent club in 2018.
The custodian made 111 appearances for New England between 2018 and 2022 and was called up to the USA national team for the first time in 2021. He has accumulated 18 starts for the Stars and Stripes since then. Turner, who takes up the number 30, will provide backup to Aaron Ramsdale, with Bernd Leno likely to leave the club in the coming months.
Turner becomes Arsenal’s third official signing of the summer after forward Marquinhos and midfielder Fabio Vieira. The Gunners are also expected to confirm the arrival of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus in the coming days after the two clubs agreed to a 45 million pound fee.