A key Sunderland player is being watched by Arsenal in anticipation of a possible summer transfer.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Arsenal and Liverpool eye Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson for potential summer transfer in Premier League shake-up.
- Scouts from both top clubs monitor Patterson’s standout performances as a solid choice for a title-contending team like theirs.
- The 23-year-old’s future at Sunderland hangs in the balance with a reported transfer value of £10-15 million pushing the club towards a decision.
Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly scouting Sunderland star Anthony Patterson ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to HITC, the Gunners are keeping tabs on the goalkeeper with a view to a potential move at the end of the season.
Patterson has been the first-choice goalkeeper at the Stadium of Light since midway through the 2021-22 campaign, in which he helped the club gain promotion from League One.
| Anthony Patterson – Sunderland league appearancs and clean sheets (per Fbref.com) |
| Season |
Appearances |
Clean Sheets (Goals Conceded) |
| 2021-22 |
20 |
8 (19) |
| 2022-23 |
46 |
14 (55) |
| 2023-24 |
41 |
11 (50) |
The 23-year-old has come through the ranks of the club’s academy system and has cemented himself as a key part of the team in the Championship.
However, speculation has emerged surrounding his future going into the upcoming transfer window.
Anthony Patterson transfer latest
It was reported earlier this week that Liverpool are also interested in the shot-stopper, with Leeds United and Leicester City also mentioned as potential next destinations.
Manchester City have also been linked with a move for the goalkeeper.
It has now been claimed that Liverpool and Arsenal have both sent scouts to take a closer look at the Sunderland star.
Figures for both Premier League sides watched his performance last weekend as the Black Cats drew 0-0 with Bristol City.
The two title rivals are looking to bolster their number two options this summer, which has led to them turning their attention to the Sunderland academy graduate.
Caoimhín Kelleher and Aaron Ramsdale have both earned minutes for their respective sides this campaign, but the pair could depart at the end of the season in a bid to earn greater playing time.
With Adrián also out of contract at the end of the term, Liverpool will likely be in need of a new goalkeeper if Kelleher departs.
Meanwhile, Ramsdale has been linked with a move to Newcastle United after falling behind David Raya in the pecking order of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
It’s been reported that Sunderland may need to pay anywhere from £10 million to $15 million for their first-choice goalkeeper.
Patterson is a homegrown player, which adds to his appeal because clubs can use one of their required slots by having him as their second-choice between the sticks.
Though it’s unclear if Sunderland would be willing to cash in, it’s becoming more and more obvious that their determination will be put to the test in the upcoming months.
Wearside is still looking for a new head coach, although they might not be able to influence the player’s decision.
Patterson’s future looking increasingly uncertain
It would be a blow for Sunderland to lose Patterson given how impressive his performances have been this season.
It will especially sting knowing he is being targeted as a second choice, but the chance to move up to a title-contending Premier League side will be hard for him to turn down.
At 23, he still has plenty of time to prove that he could grow into a first-choice and his best chance at doing that is by already being at the club in the first place.
If an offer in the region of £15 million arrives, then it will be very difficult for Sunderland to turn that down, with his exit now looking inevitable.
