Turner’s Forest move to rest on Raya Arsenal deal

Goalkeeper Matt Turner could leave Arsenal for Nottingham Forest

FOOTBALL Turner’s Forest move to rest on Raya Arsenal deal

Mark Kinyanjui 18:42 - 04.08.2023

Arsenal have submitted their own bid for Raya, which could pave the way for Turner to leave for Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest’s hopes of signing USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner could be boosted by Arsenal pushing closer to a deal to land David Raya.

Forest’s interest in Turner was revealed by The Athletic over the weekend and, last week, the City Ground side registered an official bid for the 29-year-old as they look to bolster their goalkeeping options before the new Premier League campaign kicks off.

But Forest have had to be patient, while Arsenal work to strengthen their own goalkeeping roster with the addition of Brentford’s Spain international Raya. 

Arsenal have submitted their own bid for Raya, although that is expected to be turned down with further negotiations to follow.

While talks between the two London clubs continue, it could open the door for Forest to sign U.S. international Turner.

The former New England Revolution stopper is one of several players targeted by Forest, as they look to fill a void left between the posts by the end of both Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas’ loan spells.

Forest remain determined to bring Henderson back to the City Ground and discussions are held with parent club Manchester United on a daily basis.

Henderson, the 26-year-old England international, is still working to regain match fitness following the thigh injury that ended his season after 18 appearances for Forest.

There is a slim chance that he could be available to play on the opening day if a deal can be completed to bring him to Forest, but his fitness remains at the center of any deal getting done.

Henderson is most likely to return on loan, with an option or an obligation to buy to be included in the deal.

Forest have also held an interest in Wolves’ Jose Sa and New England Revolution’s current keeper, Djordie Petrovic. Both Forest and Ligue 1 side Nantes have had $8million (£6.3m) offers for the 23-year-old rejected.

Wayne Hennessey and Ethan Horvath remain as goalkeeping options on Forest’s books. With Hennessey carrying a slight injury, Horvath, another USMNT international, has featured regularly in pre-season following his loan spell at Luton Town last season.

Forest have also submitted a €25m bid for Roma’s Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez.

They have already signed full-back Ola Aina as a free agent following the end of his contract with Torino and forward Anthony Elanga in a £15m deal with Manchester United.