Shields Gazette are reporting that Premier League giants Arsenal are leading the race to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners’ interest in the goalkeeper shows how highly rated he is, with Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic also said to be in the race for his signature.
The Hoops could be on the verge of missing out in the race to sign the goalkeeper, however, as the report claims the North London club are leading the chase.
Woodman, who is yet to make any league appearances for the Magpies this season, made an impact during the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2017 where he won the tournament’s Golden Glove award.
His brilliant performances between the sticks for the England U20 side haven’t been enough to guarantee him a starting role for Newcastle, however, with just three appearances to his name so far this season – all coming in the FA Cup.
Martin Dubravka is currently Newcastle’s first choice goalkeeper, and Woodman is far behind his teammate in the pecking order.
Arsenal and Celtic have both showed interest in the 22-year-old, with the former strongly keen on obtaining his signature as a potential replacement for the soon to be retired Petr Cech.
A move to Arsenal looks highly likely for him in the summer, but he would still find himself behind Bernd Leno in the goalkeeping pecking order.
And that might be enough to convince him into joining Celtic instead.