Arsenal ‘snubbed’ by ‘brilliant’ League One and England Under-21 goalkeeper on deadline day
Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle rejected a move to Premier League Arsenal on 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.
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But whilst the former Manchester City winger stole headlines, it turns out Arsenal were not successful in one of their other transfer pursuits.
According to , League One Wigan’s first choice goalkeeper, Tickle, was seen as a potential third choice option between the sticks for Arsenal.
However, the England Under-21 glovesman opted to turn down the move due to not wanting to drop into the shadows.
That’s despite the opportunity to be part of a Premier League squad.
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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 deducted eight points due to the club's failure to deposit funds to cover their wage bill.
Born in Warrington, Tickle came through Wigan’s academy. He’s gone on to make 59 appearances for the club already, alongside two senior loans with non-league Nantwich Town and Warrington Rylands in 2022.
Speaking about the interest in Tickle, Wigan boss Shaun Maloney said: “Some of our young players have done so well, but Sam is now an England Under-21 international, and you look at some of the other goalkeepers there…
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"One (James Trafford) went to Burnley to Manchester City for an enormous fee, others are playing at the top level, so I get the noise that's around him, and it's 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 unbelievable really.
"When I came here 18 months ago, there was very little plan for him, he was third choice.
“And what he's done since I've been here has been massive credit to him, and hopefully he's in the next England Under-21 squad.
"In the meantime, whatever happens, happens. Hopefully very little, because I'm desperate for him to stay."
Former Gunners no. 1 Aaron Ramsdale moved to Southampton on deadline day.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Neto arrived in north London to serve as deputy 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 co have also been keen to bring in a third choice goalkeeper up from the academy.
18-year-old Tommy Setford signed from Ajax in July, signing on a four year deal.
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