Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have agreed to sell out-of-favour goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton in a package worth £25 million.
According to a report from BBC, Southampton have struck a deal with Arsenal to sign their outcast Aaron Ramsdale. The Saints have agreed on a package worth £25 million. They will pay £18 million upfront as a fixed fee with potential add-ons worth up to £7 million.
Aaron Ramsdale’s time at Arsenal
Ramsdale made the move to Arsenal in 2021 in a deal worth £24 million after making a name for himself at Sheffield United. It did not take him long to adjust to life at the North London club, and he became one of their mainstays in no time.
But, things took a massive turn last summer when Arsenal went in and signed David Raya from Brentford. While Arteta suggested that Raya and Ramsdale would have to fight for a place in the starting XI, the Spanish international was their preferred choice in goal.
The English international warmed the bench for the majority of last season as he was involved in just 11 first-team fixtures. While he still has two years left on his deal at the North London club, Ramsdale has no intentions of being a backup to Raya and has been on the lookout for opportunities since the start of the window.
Arsenal have been open to his departure for several weeks. They have no intentions of keeping him at the club against his will and have been looking for a potential replacement for some time.
Wolverhampton Wanderers emerged as a potential destination for the 26-year-old, and they were in talks with Arsenal about signing him. But, they pulled out of the race because it was too expensive a deal for them.
Southampton set to sign Rasmdale
While Arsenal had started considering sending him out on loan, they have finally found a buyer who are willing to meet their demand. Southampton, who have made a return to the English top flight this season, are looking to reinforce their goalkeeping position before the end of the window.
With 34-year-old Alex McCarthy being their preferred choice in goal, someone like Ramsdale will be a huge upgrade and he could help them stay in the Premier League. The English shot-stopper is expected to complete his move before Friday’s deadline, with everything agreed between the two clubs. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has suggested that he will undergo his medical at Southampton today before the move becomes official.