Arsenal are reportedly plotting a January bid for Sunderland’s highly-rated English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are interested in Sunderland shot-stopper Jordan Pickford. The 22-year-old has been earning rave reviews for his performances between the sticks for the Black Cats and amidst interest from a host of other top Premier League clubs, it appears the Gunners have also joined the long list of admirers for the Englishman.

Jordan Pickford is a 22-year-old goalkeeper who has come through the ranks at Sunderland. But it is this season that his talents have shone. The player has managed to dethrone former Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone and establish himself as the undisputed first-choice for David Moyes.

And in spite of keeping only 2 clean sheets in the 15 Premier league appearances this season, conceding 24 goals in the process, the player has been terrific between the posts for the Black Cats and has kept his side in contention for points in many games with his magnificent saves.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Jordan Pickford of Sunderland reacts at the final whistle during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Watford at Stadium of Light on December 17, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 17: Jordan Pickford of Sunderland reacts at the final whistle during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Watford at Stadium of Light on December 17, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

His form took the keeper to new heights as he was called up to the senior England Squad by Gareth Southgate. Even though he failed to make his debut, it is seen as only a matter of time before the player represents the Three Lions.

His performances have not just earned him a call-up to the senior National Squad but also the attention of the top brass of the Premier League. The likes of Tottenham, Everton, Manchester City and even Manchester United have been linked with a move for the shot-stopper.

Arsenal have been linked with numerous promising goalkeepers in the recent past, with the latest being Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak. And the Gunners now seem prepared to compete for the in-form Englishman. As per the report, Arsenal are ready and willing to test Sunderland’s resolve with a January bid for the 22-year-old.

While the amount associated with the offer has not been speculated, it is being reported that the Gunners are willing to loan the player back to Sunderland till the end of the season as part of the deal, something which could hand Arsenal the edge over other rivals.

Watch Pickford’s best saves in a Sunderland shirt in the 2015-16 campaign:

Sunderland are fighting at the bottom of the league table and look destined for a dogged relegation battle. Amidst all this, they would not risk losing one of the brightest stars on their roster. As to the amount, Pickford’s current deal runs till 2020, which, combined with the English premium, means that the 22-year-old is unlikely to come cheap.

The addition of Jordan Pickford would not only boost their English core and would provide them with a long-term replacement option for Petr Cech. Cech, after a bright start at Arsenal, has now failed to keep a clean sheet in eight successive Premier League matches, a first for the Czech in his glorious footballing career.

At a time when England were having troubles in the goalkeeping department, the emergence of a star like Jordan Pickford would not only boost England’s roster but also provide the other keepers with a healthy competition to be the first-choice shot-stopper for the Three Lions.

As far as club football goes, a talent of Pickford’s level is unlikely to stay at Sunderland for much longer and Arsenal would do well by securing an early transfer for the 22-year-old.

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