With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Southampton are desperate to sign a goalkeeper and have now returned for Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.
Aaron Ramsdale Nearing Southampton Transfer
Club in Advanced Talks With Arsenal
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Southampton have submitted an official bid for Ramsdale and are advancing well in talks. The St Mary’s Stadium-based outfit have reignited their interest in the Englishman after they failed to pull off the transfer of Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow.
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It is believed the deal will be closed soon, with all parties involved maintaining an optimistic stance. Southampton are said to have Ramsdale at the top of their goalkeeper targets list.
Though Arsenal prefer a permanent sale, they are still open to sanctioning a loan move. However, they might want any potential agreement to include an initial fee of more than £5 million and an obligation to buy at the end of the season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were earlier interested in Ramsdale, quit talks with Arsenal after disagreements over the price.
Why Do Southampton Need Ramsdale?
The Saints returned to the Premier League in 2024 after spending a season in the Championship. Now, they will be eager to continue in the top flight and enjoy the fame and riches that come with it.
They need a talented shot-stopper to feature in the highest tier of English football regularly. In Gavin Bazunu, they do have one. However, the Irish youngster suffered an achilles injury during a pre-match warm-up in April 2024. Consequently, he is out until 2025.
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The injury to Bazunu forced Southampton to start games with the 34-year-old Alex McCarthy. Though the former England international helped them secure promotion, the club might benefit from having a keeper who is younger and capable of competing with Bazunu.
At just 26-years-old, Ramsdale has made 214 senior appearances and has the experience of playing for a top club like Arsenal. He also has a knack for forming a strong bond with the fans, as he did at the Emirates. So far, he has been nothing but “exceptional“ and such an impressive CV has appealed to Southampton.
In case Ramsdale leaves, Arsenal have identified Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as their first-choice replacement. Personal terms have been agreed with the Spaniard, who has a £21 million release clause.
