Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to add a backup keeper to his squad during the January transfer window and according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners could make a move for Aston Villa keeper Tom Heaton.
The report claims: “The 34-year-old has stated in no uncertain terms that he will look to push Martinez all the way in his bid to win back his No 1 spot, but the Argentine’s performances make any prospect of that situation arising increasingly dim for Heaton.
“The England goalkeeper has had to sit on the bench for Villa’s last three games and has now gone a year without playing a first-team game, which may be of some concern to any potential rival, with Arsenal in particular in need of a keeper who is not trying to blow off any cobwebs.
“However, should Arsenal opt for Heaton, he would represent a player who would be more determined than most to make an impact ahead of this summer’s delayed Euros.”
Will Aston Villa allow Tom Heaton to join Arsenal?
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Tom Heaton has been pushed down the pecking order at Aston Villa after the arrival of Emi Martinez from Arsenal and during the 2020-21 season, he’s yet to play for the senior side.
Clearly, Dean Smith has no use of Heaton right now so if Arsenal come calling we do not see why Villa will not allow the 34-year-old to leave.
Runarsson has failed to impress as the backup to Bernd Leno this season and with Arsenal still playing in the Europa League, Tom Heaton could get a lot of game time if he decides to join the North London club.
The Aston Villa man is not the only keeper on Arteta’s radar since the report claims that Arsenal are also keeping tabs on other out-of-favour sho-tstoppers like Brentford’s David Raya and Brighton’s Mat Ryan.
