Jack Butland has dismissed rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal this summer.
The 24-year-old has been identified by many as one of the brightest goalkeepers operating in the Premier League and his displays for Stoke and England are testament to this.
Although Butland hasn’t played for Mark Hughes’ side this season, as he has been recovering from an injury he picked up a year ago whilst on England duty, Arsenal are being linked with a move for the former Birmingham City shot-stopper, amid reports suggesting Arsene Wenger is looking for a long-term replacement for Petr Cech.
However, Butland was quick to dispel the rumours he is on his way out of the Britannia Stadium this summer.
Quoted in the Stoke Sentinel, the promising goalkeeper said:
“It’s not anywhere near the transfer window yet, but that’s the way papers work. I must have done all right this past year, I can’t remember. I just take it as a positive that I’m still thought about in the football world after so long out.
“My only focus is playing again for Stoke, getting some game time before the end of the season and hopefully start getting back into the England side as well.”
Several other goalkeepers are likely to be linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, but it is unlikely Wenger will sign another one as he previously stated that he already has three ‘world-class’ goalkeepers at his disposal already.