Sunderland have decided to strengthen their goalkeeping department this summer.
It previously appeared that they might be forced to find a new no. 1 after Anthony Patterson was linked with Liverpool and Arsenal.
Sunderland have managed to keep hold of the 24-year-old, but that hasn’t stopped them from continuing to recruit.
The Black Cats ended up bringing in Simon Moore and Blondy Nno Noukeu on free transfers, but also looked lower in the EFL for a possible arrival.
In April it was reported that Sunderland had earmarked Sam Tickle as a potential replacement for Patterson.
The 22-year-old kept 15 clean sheets in 46 games for Wigan Athletic and was named Player of the Year last season before attracting strong interest in the Championship.
Tickle ended up signing a new four-year deal with Wigan, while Sunderland kept hold of their star goalkeeper.
Sunderland target rejected by Premier League
It is unclear whether the Wearside outfit would be in contention for the Tickle if Patterson were to leave, but it now appears they have faced much stiffer competition than first thought.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the England under-21 international has turned down a big move to Arsenal this summer.
Nixon wrote on his Patreon: “Wigan’s talented young goalkeeper Sam Tickled turned down the chance to join Arsenal in the window.
“Tickle was touted as third choice at the Gunners with the potential to become a Premier League midfielder. However, Tickle was not interested in falling into the shadows and opted to continue in League One instead.
The Black Cats will be very happy for Anthony Patterson
Fair play to Tick, who clearly preferred to get a regular game rather than sit on the bench in North London.
Sunderland might have a better chance of snapping him up than the Gunners, as they would offer him a permanent place in the starting line-up.
However, the Black Cats won’t care at all that they failed to sign him, given that Patterson has remained at the Stadium of Light.
The North Shields-born keeper has conceded just once in Sunderland’s first four games – while unable to do much for Luke O’Nien’s own goal.
However, Patterson didn’t have much to do at all and actually only had to make 10 saves – some of them just catching the ball.
It has been an easy ride for him so far as the back line has kept him quiet.
There is no doubt that he will step up when called upon, but the only question surrounding him remains his placement.