Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle reportedly turned down a move to Premier League side Arsenal on deadline day.
The Gunners were busy on the final day of the transfer window, bringing in Raheem Sterling from Chelsea and Neto from Bournemouth on loan.
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But while the former Manchester City winger was making headlines, it emerged that Arsenal had failed in one of their other transfer attempts.
According to The Sun, Tickle, Wigan’s first-choice goalkeeper in League One, was considered a potential third choice between Arsenal’s posts.
However, the England U21 goalkeeper decided to reject the move as he did not want to fade into the background.
And this despite the opportunity to become part of a Premier League team.
The 22-year-old has been Wigan’s number 1 since the start of last season.
He played every league game in the 2023/24 season and the Latics finished 12th in the third tier despite being deducted eight points due to a lack of contributions to cover the club’s wage bill.
Born in Warrington and coming through the Wigan Academy, Tickle has already made 59 appearances for the club and has also been loaned out twice as a senior to amateur clubs Nantwich Town and Warrington Rylands in 2022.
Speaking about the interest in Tickle, Wigan head coach Shaun Maloney said: “Some of our young players have done very well but Sam is now an England Under-21 international and when you look at some of the other goalkeepers there…
“One (James Trafford) went from Burnley to Manchester City for a huge transfer fee, others are playing at the highest level, so I understand the excitement about 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 really incredible.”
“When I came here 18 months ago, there were hardly any plans for him, he was the third choice.
“And what he has done since I have been here deserves huge credit and hopefully he will be in the next England U21 squad.
“In the meantime, whatever happens, happens. Hopefully very little, because I really want him to stay.”
Former Gunners No. 1 player Aaron Ramsdale moved to Southampton on deadline day.
Meanwhile, Neto has arrived in north London from Bournemouth to replace David Raya, who joined permanently from Brentford in this transfer window.
Joan Garcia of Espanyol was a target, but that move did not materialise.
Mikel Arteta and Co. also wanted to sign a third goalkeeper from the academy.
18-year-old Tommy Setford joined from Ajax in July and signed a four-year contract.
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