Arsenal travel to take on Bournemouth on Saturday evening, and with the January transfer window now open, there looks set to be one new face already at the Vitality Stadium
Mikel Arteta looks on
Mikel Arteta could have further research to do this week(Image: BEN STANSALL, AFP via Getty Images)
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Bournemouth have signed up Fraser Forster ahead of this weekend's encounter with Arsenal. The 37-year-old goalkeeper has been without a club since departing Tottenham this summer, but could be thrust back into action for the Cherries on Saturday as they attempt to derail Mikel Arteta's league-leading Gunners.
A veteran with spells at Newcastle, Southampton and Celtic under his belt, Forster is expected to play second fiddle to Djordje Petrovic. Nevertheless, should the Serbian summer acquisition suffer an injury during the match, Forster could well be called upon as cover.
According to The Telegraph, Bournemouth have registered Forster with the Football Association for him to be involved against Arsenal.
This development comes as Petrovic – who is now the hosts' only fit senior keeper – has struggled between the sticks for the Cherries recently, conceding 29 goals across 17 outings this campaign. With a goal difference of minus six, Bournemouth find themselves languishing in 15th spot in the Premier League table, just nine points clear of the drop zone.
Petrovic has also leaked four goals in each of Bournemouth's fixtures against Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Brentford this term, the last of which saw him credited with an own goal after the ball ricocheted off him and rolled into his own net.
Andoni Iraola, who hasn't seen his team keep a clean sheet since Bournemouth's goalless draw with Chelsea in early December, will be hoping for a standout performance from his 26-year-old star when they face some of the league's finest marksmen.
Currently, Arsenal are soaring at the summit of the Premier League table, boasting a four-point lead over Manchester City. The Gunners have netted an impressive 37 goals this season, with Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres proving to be their most lethal weapons - each bagging five goals apiece.
Fraser Forster applauds
Fraser Forster has been registered for Saturday's match
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However, Arteta has a few injury concerns to contend with as Arsenal prepare to take on the Cherries away from home this Saturday. During his pre-match press conference, the Spanish manager confirmed that both Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera will be absent from the game, while Declan Rice's participation is uncertain due to a knee swelling.
Arteta also acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead against Bournemouth this weekend. He said: "Huge respect for them. I know Andoni really well at what he's doing.
"I think it's incredible. And I'm watching all the games that they've played this season, and I guess the top side, how difficult they've made it, and how they're having goal results against them as well."
Djordje Petrovic puts the ball on the field
Djordje Petrovic has struggled with form
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Securing three points against Bournemouth would significantly aid Arsenal's Premier League title race, particularly given the intense schedule they face in the upcoming weeks. Next Thursday sees Arsenal take on Liverpool, before a trip to Portsmouth for an FA Cup match just three days later.
A mere three days after that, the Gunners are back in action for the League Cup, where they'll face Chelsea, before returning to Premier League duties to play Nottingham Forest shortly afterwards. Champions League matches against Inter Milan and Kairat, along with top-tier clashes against Manchester United and Leeds, complete Arsenal's January fixture list.
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