Arsenal is reportedly targeting a 23-year-old international goalkeeper as a potential successor to Aaron Ramsdale. Ramsdale, the current goalkeeper for Arsenal, has fallen behind David Raya in the hierarchy and may contemplate his future with the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Arsenal is considering Patrick Schulte, the goalkeeper for Columbus Crew, as a potential acquisition. Schulte, aged 23 and also a one-time capped player for the United States national team, has demonstrated impressive performances for Columbus since his arrival in 2022 through the MLS SuperDraft. He has notably secured a place in the club’s first team and has amassed 43 competitive appearances, contributing to their victory in the 2022/23 MLS Cup.
Arsenal purportedly views Schulte as possessing a similar profile to Matt Turner, whom they acquired from New England Revolution before transferring him to Nottingham Forest last summer.
Schulte’s contract with Columbus is set to expire at the end of the current calendar year, although the club holds an option to extend it for an additional year if they choose to do so.
Arsenal target Patrick Schulte is ‘extremely demanding with himself’
Last year, Head Coach Wilfried Nancy extolled the abilities of a player reportedly targeted by Arsenal, praising his contributions in helping the club advance to the Eastern Conference finals. During November’s match against Orlando City, Schulte executed a save lauded for its resemblance to Emiliano Martinez’s memorable stop for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final. Quoting Nancy, 90Min reported, “Schulte, he kept us in the game.” Nancy further expressed his satisfaction for Schulte’s performance, recalling past instances where the player himself was discontent despite delivering commendable displays. Nancy emphasized Schulte’s relentless self-critique, stating, “All the time, he’s extremely demanding with himself to try to put the level up and the level up.” Schulte’s evident talent raises curiosity regarding Arsenal’s potential reinforcement of their interest in him.