Aston Villa's English goalkeeper Tom Heaton warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 1, 2021. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal have been linked with a surprise move for Tom Heaton. The Gunners are looking to add a second-choice keeper after Alex Runarsson failed to impress in his outings this season. With Emiliano Martinez coming in for Aston Villa at the start of the season, Heaton was pushed to second-choice.
Bernd Leno has been the Gunners’ first-choice shot-stopper since his arrival. The German was a very important presence in goal for Arsenal until he was left on the sidelines due to a major injury last season. Second-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez did well in Leno’s absence. With Martinez departing for Aston Villa, Runar Alex Runarsson has stepped in as the second-choice this term.
However, the youngster has been given limited chances and even in those, he has somewhat fluffed his lines. Case in point being the Manchester City game in the Carabao Cup.
It seems like Runarsson still needs some more time to develop and a spell in the reserves or on loan would do him good. Adding another keeper seems to be on Mikel Arteta’s agenda. (h/t Birmingham Mail).
Tom Heaton was pushed back to second-choice at Villa after the arrival of Emi Martinez. The 34-year-old is a reliable shot-stopper with plenty of Premier League experience and Arsenal would do well by having such an experienced goalkeeper on their books.
Having been an integral part of two promotion-winning teams, he would also bring in the know-how and experience. Meanwhile, his natural leadership skills and the ability to keep his defence tight and organized can be valuable tools for Arteta’s team going forward in the campaign.
With Leno likely to continue as first-choice and Runarsson very likely to head out, Heaton would be a good signing for Arsenal. While he may not be a very decorated player, Arsenal need his solidity in goal whenever called upon. With so many cup games still to come, the addition of Heaton could ease Arteta’s issues in that area.