‘It’s just a bit mad’: Charles Watts shocked by ‘bizarre’ Arsenal news today

Wed 13 July 2022 21:15, UK

Charles Watts has criticised Arsenal for their “bizarre” decision to take five goalkeepers on their pre-season tour of the United States.

The Gunners, fresh from their training camp in Germany, set off on Wednesday for their first extended summer tour since 2019.

Arsenal will undertake ‘‘ and contest three friendlies stateside.

The Gunners will face Everton in Baltimore on Saturday.

Arsenal then take on Orlando City next Wednesday and Chelsea next Saturday, both at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.

Also on Wednesday, the Gunners their US tour squad.

Aaron Ramsdale, Bernd Leno, Matt Turner, Arthur Okonkwo and Alex Runarsson all made the cut.

And Watts, speaking on his YouTube , was at a loss to explain why all five were in the travelling pack.

The Goal.com correspondent also wondered why youngsters like Charlie Patino weren’t heading stateside too.

“I have to say, I don’t understand five goalkeepers,” said Watts.

“The more I think about it, the more I think it’s just a bit mad.

“You just take three surely. I don’t see how five keepers works for anyone there.

“Just take three and then that gives you two spaces to… certainly take a (Charlie) Patino.

“I can’t believe Patino’s (not) going – he might be injured, I haven’t heard yet.

“If he’s injured then fine and I will apologise after this little bit of a rant I’m going on.

“But if he is fit, and obviously he went to Germany, did very well over there, I just don’t get it.

“The more I think about it, the more I think it’s really bizarre when you’re taking five goalkeepers.”

Arsenal wrap up their pre-season programme on Saturday 30 July against Sevilla in the Emirates Cup in north London.

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