Arsenal are reportedly considering launching a third offer for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after seeing their first two bids rejected.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Arsenal are ready to make a third bid for Sheffield United and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as Mikel Arteta continues to restructure his squad for the 2021/22 season.
A product of the Sheffield United youth academy, it was at Bournemouth that Ramsdale burst onto the scenes as one of the most reliable young goalkeepers in England during the 2019/29 campaign. Following that, the 23-year-old returned to his boyhood club last summer, replacing Dean Henderson whose loan spell had expired.
While Sheffield United endured a torrid 2020/21 season that ended in relegation from the Premier League, Ramsdale was one of the few positives for the Blades in a gloomy campaign. The 23-year-old also received a call-up to the England national squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 as a replacement for the injured Henderson, although he never featured in the tournament.
Nonetheless, Ramsdale has seemingly done enough to attract the interest of one of the biggest clubs in the land in Arsenal. The Gunners are going through a major restructure after an underwhelming 2020/21 campaign. Two players have already come in this summer, with a third – Ben White – expected to follow suit imminently.
The focus has now shifted to the goalkeeping department as question marks linger over the long-term future of Bernd Leno. The German international will have his contract run out in 2023 and has been linked with an exit. Even if he does stay put this year, Arsenal may have to cash in on him next summer to avoid losing him for a free when his deal runs out.
As for the second-choice custodian, Arsenal signed Runar Alex Runarsson last term which proved to be a dud signing, forcing them into the market for Mat Ryan in January. While there had been speculations that the north Londoners sought to sign him permanently, the Australian custodian has moved to Spain.
As a result, Arsenal have locked in on Ramsdale as their preferred option in goal, although quite how Arteta plans to use him will be interesting to see especially with Leno still at the club. Nonetheless, the Gunners have already had two offers rejected for the 23-year-old and are now plotting a third bid worth £18 million plus add-ons, which would take the value of the deal over £25 million.
It now remains to be seen if Arsenal do press ahead with such an offer and whether Sheffield United are willing to accept it or rebuff the Premier League outfit yet again.
