Breaking: Arsenal Identify £35m Liverpool Target Shock Replacement For Petr Cech
Dec 24, 2016 at 12:58 PM
With the January transfer window opening next week, the rumour mill is kicking into overdrive. There are several clubs in need of an injection of talent to help them reach their goals in the second half of the season. Arsenal are one such club, as their title challenge appears to be fading.
The Gunners’ next target isn’t a short-term solution. The Standard are reporting that Arsene Wenger is lining up Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech.
The former Chelsea shot-stopper is 34, and has a lot of miles on the clock, being a constant presence in the Premier League since joining the Pensioners in 2004.
Young shot-stopper Pickford has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool also over the coming months. Loris Karius, who has been the Reds’ number one after joining the club in the summer, has come under fire for his recent performances, including in the 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend. That’s why Pickford is now very much on the radar of the Merseyside club, who are ready to test Sunderland’s resolve with a bid.
Pickford has been one of the stories of the season for the Black Cats. The 22-year-old has been in immense form for David Moyes’ side.
He is widely tipped to be a future England international and is one of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League.
There are suggestions that Arsenal will have to pay £35 million for his services next month, but as part of the deal will loan him straight back to Sunderland for the remainder of the season.
Pickford recently signed a new contract extension until 2020, so Sunderland will certainly be able to demand a higher price.
The article goes on to state that Moyes will not be given any funds to spend in January, so the temptation to sell Pickford may be high.