Man Utd sale could hinge on Arsenal transfer decision as Ten Hag faces awkward wait

Aug 18, 2023

Dean Henderson is still a top transfer target for Nottingham Forest, but Arsenal could have a role to play in the deal according to reports.

The Manchester United shot-stopper has been linked with a return to Forest all summer, having spent last season on loan at the City Ground.

Henderson was the first-choice goalkeeper under Steve Cooper until he sustained an injury in January and missed the second half of the campaign.

Nottingham Forest are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, but they haven’t been able to agree a deal with Man Utd as of yet.

Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner is also a target for Forest, although the Gunners will only sell Turner if they sign a goalkeeper of their own.

According to Football Insider, Henderson is still the ‘priority’ for Forest this summer, although Turner is being considered as an alternative.

“The England international remains their priority in the goalkeeping position but is still recovering from injury, which has meant another hold-up,” Pete O’Rourke explains.

“Forest are doing their due diligence by searching for alternatives, and Arsenal’s Matt Turner has emerged as a potential option. However, Arsenal would have to seal a deal for David Raya in order to let Turner leave the club.

“Steve Cooper’s side still want Henderson and may have to cave to United’s demands to get him through the door with less than two weeks until the season starts.”

Ten Hag would seemingly be happy to keep Henderson around as a backup to Andre Onana, although Henderson won’t want to be sat on the bench for another year.

“We have a group of keepers and, as everyone else, you have to fight for your position,” Ten Hag told reporters during pre-season.

“I think that’s normal when you’re at United. And he (Henderson) is a good goalie, he has to fight and we have to see when he can return to team training.”

Man Utd are thought to be holding out for around £30m for Henderson, which is more than Nottingham Forest have been prepared to spend so far.

Fabrizio Romano recently clarified that Nottingham Forest will only sign one goalkeeper this summer and the choice now seems to be between Henderson and Turner.

“Nottingham Forest will sign only one GK this summer between Matt Turner and Dean Henderson,” Romano explained.

“Forest already asked Arsenal for final conditions of Turner deal — and it’d be a permanent transfer.”

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