Arsenal are keen to make a shock move for Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford when the transfer window reopens in January, according to Standard Sport.
The report claims the Gunners want to sign the 22-year-old but will then loan him back to the Black Cats for the rest of the season
Arsene Wenger’s side are believed to have already contacted Sunderland to discuss a deal but are yet to agree a fee for Pickford, with the club keen to keep him at the Stadium of Light.
Pickford has enjoyed an impressive season despite playing in a struggling side and his form has been rewarded with call-ups to the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia in October and the clashes against Scotland and Spain in November.
Arsenal are reportedly considering their goalkeeping options amid doubts about Petr Cech’s form, the former Chelsea man is currently on his longest ever run without a clean sheet in the Premier League and has yet to save a penalty during his time in north London. However, he is contracted to Arsenal until 2019.
The Gunners have also been linked with a move for highly-rated Standard Liege stopper Guillaume Hubert in recent days and the speculation suggests signing a goalkeeper is certainly on Wenger’s mind.
David Ospina’s future at the club is unclear with the Colombian keen for more game time while Roma are believed to be keen to sign the on-loan Wojciech Szczęsny in a permanent deal.
Emiliano Martinez has recently pledged his future to the club, and is well-regarded by Wenger but his lack of Premier League experience means he is some way from being first choice.
Pickford is also reportedly attracted interest from Tottenham, Manchester City and Everton and having signed a long-term contract to 2020 in January, he may not come cheap.
However, with Cech set to turn 35 next year and with Ospina and Szczesny potentially on their way out of the club, a goalkeeper is certainly needed and Pickford is undoubtedly a promising option.