Arsenal to make January move for young Premier League goalkeeper

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in making a January move to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford before loaning him back to the Black Cats for the remainder of the season, reports The London Evening Standard.

Pickford, 22, has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Premier League this season and Sunderland manager David Moyes has already hinted it could be hard to keep hold of the shot-stopper when the transfer window re-opens next month.

The 22-year-old’s performances between the sticks this season have even led to international recognition, although he is still waiting to earn his first senior cap for England.

Gareth Southgate isn’t the only manager keen on the young Sunderland goalkeeper, with Wenger now ready to step up his own interest in a bid to sign Pickford ahead of any of their rivals.

Wenger is keen to secure a deal in January but wants to let Pickford, who has four years to run on his current deal, see out the rest of the season with Sunderland were he is guaranteed first team football.

Cech will be 35 at the end of the season and there had been questions over his form this season, with Pickford ready to add serious competition for the iconic Premier League goalkeeper next season.

Only Tom Heaton (77) has made more saves in the Premier League this season than Pickford (67), while the Sunderland ace also features in the WhoScored Premier League team of the season (7.07).

For more stats on Sunderland, click here to visit his WhoScored player page