Aaron Ramsdale is attracting serious interest from Arsenal, who are set to lodge an official bid to Sheffield United in the coming days.
According to The Star, Arsenal are set to lodge an official bid for the services of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the coming days. The Gunners are yet to confirm their interest with such a bid, which could reportedly be a significant figure and designed to test Sheffield’s resolve over the player.
Sheffield United signed Ramsdale last season from Bournemouth for £18.5 million. Despite the Blades’ relegation, the club does not necessarily want to sell their star players. Ramsdale, too is not pushing for a move back to the Premier League. Such a stance may not force Sheffield into accepting a below-par offer for their players.
The Blades reportedly value Ramsdale near to £40 million following his late call up to the England squad for the Euros. Additionally, the 23-year-old was named the club’s player of the season despite their horror showing that saw them relegated from the Premier League.
On the other hand, Arsenal are in the market for a quality goalkeeper, with Bernd Leno the only quality option in their ranks. Having sold Emiliano Martinez last summer, Arsenal signed Alex Runarsson to be the German’s backup. The Icelandic international failed to perform, prompting the Gunners to sign Mat Ryan on loan, with there being interest in a permanent transfer for the Australian.
However, Bernd Leno’s future is in significant doubt with two years left on the deal, and with the need for a backup goalkeeper, the Gunners might also hunt for a viable No.1. Ramsdale provides a tricky option for the Gunners, who could consider the Sheffield United goalkeeper for a future first-choice role, but not at the moment.
It is understood that Leno could leave next summer with a year left on his deal, and then Arsenal could promote a player like Ramsdale as their first choice keeper. However, until that period, Ramsdale is viewed as a backup.
Nevertheless, to firm up their interest, Arsenal are now ready to lodge a significant bid for Ramsdale in the coming days and hope to conclude a transfer as soon as the Euros end. The north Londoners are not expected to match Sheffield’s £40 million asking price, but their figure could test the Blades’ resolve over their stance on the player.
A move for Ramsdale would make complete sense even when one considers the high asking price for a relegated goalkeeper. His performances have been good through the last two seasons, and the Gunners firmly believe he can step up to play between the posts at a top English club such as themselves.
Ramsdale’s signing could also boost Arsenal’s homegrown quota for next season. Alternatively, they also holds interest in Ajax’s Andre Onana, but lately, the trail has gone cold.
