Arsenal's 'brilliant' League One and England Under-21 goalkeeper 'ignored' on final day of season
Wigan Athletic's Sam Tickle has turned down a move to Premier League side Arsenal on transfer deadline day, according to reports.
The Gunners were busy on the final day of the transfer window, bringing in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea and Neto from Bournemouth.
But while the first Manchester City The winger stole the headlines, it turns out Arsenal They were unsuccessful in any of their other transfer initiatives.
According The sunLeague One Wigan goalkeeper Tickle was seen as a possible third choice between the sticks for Arsenal.
However, the England Under-21 player chose to reject the decision because he did not want to be overshadowed.
That despite the opportunity to be part of a Premier League team.
The 22-year-old has been Wigan's No.1 since the start of last season.
He played every league game in the 2023/24 campaign as the Latics finished 12th in the third tier despite being docked eight points due to the club failing to deposit funds to cover his wage bill.
Tickle was born in Warrington and came through Wigan's academy. He has made 59 appearances for the club, with two senior loan spells at Nantwich Town and Warrington Rylands in 2022.
Speaking about the interest in Tickle, Wigan manager Shaun Maloney said: “Some of our young players have done really well, but Sam is now an England Under-21 international, and you look at some of the other goalkeepers there…
“One (James Trafford) went to Burnley and then to Manchester City for a huge fee, others are playing at the highest level so I understand the noise around them and it is really positive.
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“He's a brilliant goalkeeper and a brilliant guy… what he's done here in the last 12 months is truly incredible.
“When I arrived here 18 months ago, there were very few plans for him, he was the third option.
“And what he's done since I've been here has been a huge credit to him, and I hope he'll be in the next England Under-21 squad.
“In the meantime, whatever happens, happens. I hope it's very little, because I'm desperate for him to stay.”
Former No. 1 Gunner Aaron Ramsdale has moved to Southampton the deadline day.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth's Neto has arrived in north London to serve as understudy to David Raya, who signed permanently from Brentford This window.
Espanyol's Joan Garcia had been a target, but that move did not materialise.
Mikel Arteta and company have also been interested in bringing in a third goalkeeper from the academy.
Tommy Setford, 18, joined from Ajax in July on a four-year contract.
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