Aston Villa and Arsenal are reportedly targeting a move for veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Watford.
According to Marca’s transfer round-up, Arsenal and Aston Villa are vying for Ben Foster’s signature on a free transfer. Both clubs are looking for a new squad goalkeeper, despite being close to signing alternative targets.
Ben Foster left Watford after making 207 senior appearances for the club across two spells. Overall, the 39-year-old has made 523 senior appearances during his long career and is not looking to hang up his gloves just yet. The English stopper is a free agent after leaving the Hornets, with some decent interest coming from top-tier teams in England.
Foster could be a good option, as he could slot in as a deputy or third-choice goalkeeper. Many clubs may have such a requirement, including some of the biggest sides from the Premier League. The 39-year-old recently hinted he would like to join Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal, and the north Londoners are reportedly interested.
Ramsdale remains the undisputed first-choice under Mikel Arteta, but Arsenal could lose Bernd Leno in the summer amid interest from Fulham. The German international was ousted by the Englishman last season, and he is attracting multiple suitors from England and abroad.
Matt Turner is already pencilled in to join Arsenal in the summer, but the Gunners are reportedly looking to sign another goalkeeper. Barcelona’s Neto is heavily linked, but Arsenal may not look to invest significantly into getting a new stopper.
Hence, bringing in Foster would make sense in many ways. The former Watford goalkeeper could bring experience to the training ground, which could help Turner in his adaptation, and Ramsdale, who continues to develop rapidly at Arsenal. The 39-year-old will also be a financially viable option, one which the Gunners might consider.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are also keen on signing Foster as Steven Gerrard looks for a deputy to Emiliano Martinez. The Villans have signed Robin Olsen permanently from AS Roma after he spent the second half of last season at Villa Park on loan. Irrespective of the Swede’s arrival, Aston Villa seem to be looking to add another goalkeeper to their ranks.
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Foster could be an able deputy or third-choice stopper at either club. A move to Aston Villa or Arsenal could be sensible from the club’s perspective, as the 39-year-old goalkeeper could add some much-needed quality in training and depth in the goalkeeping department.
