Arsenal are getting closer to signing Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United after initiating contact with the Blades and could wrap the deal after the Euros.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have already initiated contact with Sheffield United to sign English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The 23-year-old is currently with England at the Euros as a backup and will be looking forward to returning to the Premier League after suffering relegation with Sheffield United.
Ramsdale has suffered back-to-back relegation, first with Bournemouth and last season with Sheffield United. With both clubs suffering due to a lack of consistent quality in defence, Arsenal consider Ramsdale a good option for the future of their goalkeeping position.
Arsenal are on the lookout for players in multiple positions. The club remain in advanced talks with Brighton and Anderlecht for Ben White and Albert Lokonga while also stepping up their search for another midfield replacement, with Granit Xhaka set to leave the club.
Among those targeted positions, a goalkeeper is one of the priorities. Since the departure of Emiliano Martinez last summer to Aston Villa, Arsenal have been hunting for a backup for Leno. Runar Alex Runarsson was signed, but was utterly disappointing. Mat Ryan was then brought in from Brighton on loan. The Australian however, remains unsure whether to extend the deal with Arsenal or not.
There have been other mooted targets lately, including a likely move for Andre Onana of Ajax. However, the chase seems to have stopped with Ramsdale, as Arsenal view him as a perfect acquisition for the keeper’s position. Ramsdale could also help Arsenal with their homegrown quota requirements.
In the present scenario, Arsenal considers Ramsdale as a viable backup to Bernd Leno. But the German’s future at the club remains uncertain, and with two years left on his deal, Arsenal could cash in either this summer or the next. Ramsdale, therefore, is considered for a future no.1, and with that view, Arsenal could persuade the 23-year-old goalkeeper.
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The report does not mention any specific transfer fee for Ramsdale, although the indication is that Arsenal are ready to pay big numbers to acquire him. This factor signals Arsenal’s intentions with Ramsdale, as they consider him to be their future No.1 rather than just making up numbers for their homegrown quota list.
Overall, it does look like a good investment Arsenal are about to take on someone they consider their long-term no.1 and it remains to be seen if they can secure the services of the young shot stopper this summer.
