Arsenal have confirmed that goalkeeper Matt Turner has joined Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal worth £10 million including add-ons.
The 29-year-old leaves Arsenal after one season having kept four clean sheets in seven games in the Europa League and FA Cup. He is expected to be replaced by Brentford’s David Raya in the coming days.
The Gunners agreed to sign Turner from New England Revolution for £7 million in February 2022 although he didn’t join up with the club for another four months.
He arrived with a reputation as a good shot-stopper but immediately acknowledged his need to improve his distribution with his feet. While he certainly did get better, he never looked comfortable enough on the ball to seriously challenge Aaron Ramsdale.
Earlier this summer, Turner admitted he was frustrated by his lack of game time at the Emirates and you sensed he might look for a move to consolidate his credentials as first-choice keeper for the USA. Hopefully, he’ll get the chance at the City Ground under Steve Coooper.
From Stateside to Trentside.
A new chapter awaits ❤️ pic.twitter.com/N2zA9tn7NG
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 9, 2023
Edu had some nice words for Turner on his exit, saying: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to thank Matt for his contribution to Arsenal and wish him and his family all the best in their new chapter.
“Matt is an international goalkeeper with the United States and is at a stage of his career when he needs to be playing regularly. He is leaving with our best wishes to join Nottingham Forest.”
In his first interview at Forest, Turner said: “It feels great to be here. It’s something I’m really looking forward to, it’s a great challenge and a great step in my career. When I heard that there was interest to bring me here, it just felt right for my family, it felt right when my agent spoke to me about it and it feels like the right move for me right now.”
Turner’s exit is set to be followed by the departures of two other keepers, Alex Runarsson and Arthur Okonkwo, in the coming weeks.
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