Report: Arsenal interested in Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who has enjoyed a successful loan so far at Championship side Swansea City this season.

According to the Chronicle, the Gunners are eyeing the 23-year-old and want to offer him the chance to play at the Emirates Stadium, plus Swansea would be keen on a permanent deal in the summer.

It is understood that Woodman doesn’t want to settle for a third-choice role next season at St James’ Park when he returns to Premier League side Newcastle from his loan.

The report explains that Arsenal have scouted the shot-stopper regularly this campaign during his spell with Swansea and want him to compete with their current number one Bernd Leno.

Leno, who cost £19.2million (Guardian), has been the first-choice goalkeeper since his switch to the Emirates Stadium in 2018 and Emiliano Martinez has been his understudy this campaign.

Woodman is reportedly now seen as a potential option in goal for Arsenal and he’s a highly-rated young star.

(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

TBR’s View:

Woodman is a promising goalkeeper that has kept 11 clean sheets in 37 Championship matches so far this season for Swansea in England’s second-tier and taken further steps forward in his development.

He’s represented England at various youth levels, including playing a part in the Under-20s side that won the World Cup for their age group in 2017.

It seems unlikely that he could replace Leno next season in the Arsenal goal, but is a brilliant prospect with a big future ahead of him and looks an ideal second-choice goalkeeper for the North London outfit.