Mikel Arteta on Matt Turner: “He’s on a great trajectory”

Matt Turner’s long-term role with English Premier League giants Arsenal remains unknown, but manager Mikel Arteta has supported his goalkeeper ahead of his second full season in London.

Turner was not part of Arsenal’s 5-0 victory on Wednesday over the MLS All-Stars at Audi Field after the veteran shot-stopper was given an extended holiday this summer. The 29-year-old made seven combined appearances last season for Arsenal, mainly featuring in the UEFA Europa League and FA Cup while Aaron Ramsdale held the No. 1 job.

Turner registered four clean sheets for the Gunners in his club appearances, while also gaining valuable experience alongside many international players. After a busy summer involvement with the U.S. men’s national team in two different competitions, Turner should be ready to go for Arsenal again as the Gunners fight for four trophies this coming season.

“First of all, the same as last year which is a great contribution to the squad and a great contribution to the goalkeeping unit as well because he’s so competitive and keeps everyone at their best level every single day,” Arteta said Wednesday postmatch about Turner. “Then when he played he’s been great with us and with the national team he’s been superb, so I think he’s on a great trajectory.

“Obviously he needed some holiday because it’s been a long, long year for him, I don’t know how many competitions he’s played in, but it was so many and so he needed a break,” he added. “When it’s after his break he will be back with us.”

Turner has solidified his role as the USMNT’s No. 1 goalkeeper, earning 30 caps to date and fighting off competition from Zack Steffen and Ethan Horvath. Although Steffen and Horvath both featured heavily in their respective club seasons, Turner has claimed the starting job with the USMNT under Gregg Berhalter and continued that under interim coaches Anthony Hudson and B.J. Callaghan.

Turner should have opportunities this season to shine in domestic and European competitions with Arsenal, which shows the depth in the Gunners squad. Whether or not Turner wants to fight for a starting job elsewhere remains to be seen, but Arteta’s support of him is certainly a major confidence boost ahead of the new campaign.