"Little bit early" - Jermaine Pennant wary as Arsenal and Man Utd eye Wigan Athletic star Sam Tickle | OneFootball

Jermaine Pennant spoke exclusively to FLW about Wigan Athletic's Sam Tickle

Jermaine Pennant has revealed his verdict on in-demand Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle, who is reportedly being tracked by the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most highly-rated young shot-stoppers in the country since becoming a regular fixture in the Lactics first-team last season.

Tickle made 52 appearances for Wigan across all competitions last time out, along with earning his first cap for England at under-21 level. He has continued to impress so far in 2024/25, recording a remarkable return of seven clean sheets and just five goals conceded from ten League One appearances.

Astonishingly, Tickle has not conceded in any of his last six games, with Wigan boasting an imperious defensive record owing to his stellar shot-stopping efforts.

Wigan have endured a mixed start to the campaign and find themselves situated in 16th place - albeit just two points away from sixth - but Tickle is representing a significant positive point for Shaun Maloney's side, who may face difficulty in retaining his services when the January transfer window rolls around.

Arsenal, Man Utd's transfer interest in Wigan Athletic's Sam Tickle

Tickle is already being courted ahead of a potential exit in January, as claimed in a recent report from TEAMtalk.

The report has claimed that Arsenal and Manchester United are both tracking Tickle in a bid to bolster their respective goalkeeping departments.

Arsenal are believed to hold a long-standing interest in Tickle, who was under consideration only this summer before Brazilian goalkeeper Neto joined from Bournemouth on a season-long loan to replace Aaron Ramsdale following his move to Southampton.

Indeed, it has been suggested that Mikel Arteta was forced to push through a move for Neto after being rebuffed by Wigan's first-choice 'keeper, although the report adds that Arsenal are continuing to track his progression since.

Meanwhile, it is additionally claimed by TEAMtalk that the Red Devils are keeping a close eye on Tickle, who could be brought in to provide both cover and competition for Andre Onana.

Tickle's age and potential are reportedly driving forces behind the interest of two top Premier League clubs. It is stated that Wigan are aware of the increasing interest and are expecting offers in January, though the stance of Tickle and the price required to lure him away remain unclear.

Jermaine Pennant's Sam Tickle verdict amid Arsenal, Man Utd transfer interest

Tickle is making a significant impression in League One and will be setting himself up for a glittering career, should his current trajectory continue. Given his age, potential, profile and performances, it is no surprise that big dogs in the top-flight are beginning to circle.

However, Pennant does not believe he is ready for the step-up just yet. The former winger, who counts the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Stoke City among his litany of ex-clubs, turned out on 13 occasions for Wigan during the 2014/15 season, scoring three free-kicks and setting up the same number of goals as they were relegated from the Championship.

According to Pennant, Tickle needs to build up his senior experience further before making the leap of faith towards the Premier League.

"I don't think [he's ready for the Premier League] just yet," Pennant exclusively told Football League World.

"The quality, the clinical [nature] of the Premier League is night and day to League One and I think he needs to get more game time, confidence and understanding of the game.

"22 for a goalkeeper is young, we know how long their careers can go on for. So he's got bags of time.

"I say get more playing time and then maybe later on in the future, as we've seen over the years with Ramsdale joining Arsenal at a young age, we'll see it [a Premier League move].