Bournemouth have moved swiftly in the January transfer window, completing the emergency signing of experienced goalkeeper Fraser Forster in time for their crucial Premier League fixture against Arsenal this Saturday.
FA approves Forster registration
The Football Association has approved the registration of the 37-year-old shot-stopper, who has been a free agent since leaving Tottenham Hotspur last summer. This development, reported by The Telegraph, means Forster is eligible to feature for the Cherries when they host Mikel Arteta's Gunners at the Vitality Stadium.
Forster, a veteran with previous spells at Newcastle United, Southampton, and Celtic, is expected to provide cover for first-choice keeper Djordje Petrovic. However, with Petrovic's recent struggles, the new signing could be thrust into immediate action if required.
Petrovic's form prompts defensive concerns
The urgency behind the move stems from the current form of Bournemouth's number one. Djordje Petrovic has conceded 29 goals in 17 appearances this season, with the team languishing in 15th place and boasting a goal difference of minus six.
Petrovic has shipped four goals in single matches against Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Brentford this term. In the latter fixture, he was credited with an unfortunate own goal. Manager Andoni Iraola has not seen his side keep a clean sheet since a 0-0 draw with Chelsea in early December.
Arsenal arrive as league leaders
The visit of Arsenal presents a formidable challenge. The Gunners sit top of the Premier League table, four points clear of Manchester City, and have scored 37 goals this campaign. Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres have been particularly lethal, each netting five times.
Mikel Arteta, however, faces some selection headaches. He confirmed in his pre-match press conference that defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera will miss the game, while midfielder Declan Rice is a doubt due to knee swelling.
Arteta expressed respect for Bournemouth, stating: "Huge respect for them. I know Andoni really well and what he's doing. I think it's incredible. I'm watching all the games they've played this season, and I see how difficult they've made it for the top sides."
Securing three points on the south coast would be a significant boost for Arsenal's title ambitions, especially with a packed January schedule ahead. Their forthcoming fixtures include a Premier League clash with Liverpool, an FA Cup trip to Portsmouth, a League Cup tie against Chelsea, and a return to league action against Nottingham Forest.
