Arsenal make move for little-known EFL player ahead of transfer deadline as fans ask 'who is this?'

Arsenal are reportedly exploring a deal to sign an EFL player ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline day.

So far this summer, the Gunners have signed Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.

With just a few days left of the current window, it has been claimed that Arsenal could add to their squad.

As reported by The Athletic, Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle is on the North London club’s radar.

The report stated: “Arsenal hope to sign at least one goalkeeper before the summer transfer window closes on Friday. They have been seeking a goalkeeper with homegrown status to join the first team squad. Tickle, along with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Dan Bentley, is now under consideration.

“In addition to Tickle, they would like a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who remains available for transfer. This would ideally be Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.”

During the 23/24 season, Tickle made a total of 52 appearances for Wigan across all competitions, keeping 18 clean sheets and was also named the club’s Player of the Season.

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Arsenal have had a promising start to the 24/25 Premier League season after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers on opening day and getting the better of Aston Villa last weekend.

Upon signing for the Gunners, midfielder Merino said: “I want to fight for every ball and this is something that I learnt when I was really young. Maybe you can win it, or you won’t. I’m not promising I will win every duel, but what I can promise is that I will fight for every ball with 100 per cent.

“It’s always tough to talk about myself in those kinds of terms, but I think I’m a hard worker, I want to call myself a good teammate. I like to work for the team with or without the ball. I’m always thinking about the collective aspect of the game. I like to play with the ball, I have a Spanish culture of football.”