Southampton opinion: Two ideal PL destinations for Fraser Forster

According to January’s report from the Sun, Leeds United were interested in signing Southampton outcast Fraser Forster in the winter transfer window. However, a deal didn’t materialise and the Whites went onto sign Kiko Casilla from Real Madrid.

Fraser Forster, 31, hasn’t played for Southampton’s first-team since being dropped following the Boxing Day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in December 2017.

Alex McCarthy took his spot and established himself as the no.1 and with last summer’s acquisition of Angus Gunn from Manchester City, the 31-year-old has fallen further down the pecking order at St. Mary’s.

As things stand, Forster, who joined Southampton from Celtic back in 2014, is expected to leave the club at the end of the season.

Even manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s comments in January suggested that the English goalkeeper’s chances of re-claiming a first-team spot is all but over.

That being said, here are two ideal destinations for Forster.

1) Bournemouth

Asmir Begovic lost his place as Bournemouth’s no.1 in January to veteran Artur Boruc due to various reasons.

The Bosnian international had started every Premier League game this season for the Cherries before being unexpectedly dropped from the starting eleven at the end of January.

Boruc has looked in fine shape and been in goal since then, starting nine consecutive Premier League games. But he is coming to the end of his career, having already turned 39 last month.

That leaves the Cherries in dire need of a new goalkeeper next season and Eddie Howe should take a punt on Fraser Forster. Forster is a proven Premier League goalkeeper and still has a lot to offer at the highest level despite turning 31 earlier this month.

2) Arsenal

Back in January, Arsenal shot-stopper Petr Cech announced he’ll retire from football at the end of the season after his contract expires at the Emirates.

Cech lost his place in the Arsenal side this season following the signing of German goalkeeper Bernd Leno in the summer. The 36-year-old has since been the Gunners’ cup goalkeeper and Unai Emery surely needs a goalkeeper to compete with Leno.

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Forster would be a good choice for Arsenal, who will look to compete for the title next season. While he is prone to errors, the 31-year-old remains a commanding presence between the sticks and could provide tough competition for Leno at the Emirates Stadium.