Arsenal have completed their fifth signing of the summer transfer window, signing Aaron Ramsdale from Championship club Sheffield United.
As confirmed by the club’s official website, Arsenal have secured the signing of English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from EFL Championship outfit Sheffield United on a long-term contract.
The 23-year-old who spent time at the academies of Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United burst onto the scenes in the Premier League at Bournemouth during the 2019/20 season. And even though the Cherries would end up getting relegated, Ramsdale showed great promise and would then go on to seal a transfer to Sheffield United.
A similar fate would befall Ramsdale upon his return to the boyhood club as he once again stood out in a campaign that culminated in relegation. Part of the England squad for the UEFA Euro 2020, the 23-year-old had been on the radars of Arsenal all summer long. And while it looked like they would land their man at one stage, talks fell through leading to doubts over the move.
However, over the past couple of days, negotiations were back on track and Arsenal have officially completed the signing of the 23-year-old Ramsdale on a long-term contract. As per the Evening Standard, the Gunners have landed their man in a deal worth up to £30 million.
Signed. Sealed. Delivered.
We're right behind you, @AaronRamsdale98! ✊ pic.twitter.com/rp9AZhdnFA
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 20, 2021
Strengthening the goalkeeping position was a priority for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta this summer, due to the lack of reliable cover for first-choice custodian Bernd Leno. Runar Alex Runarsson was signed last year but the move has just not worked out while Mat Ryan, who was brought in on loan in January, decided to move to Spain on a permanent transfer.
This left Arteta and Arsenal chasing Ramsdale for the majority of the summer. And, although it looked at one point that a move might not go through they have now successfully completed the signing of the 23-year-old, who will be wearing the No. 32 jersey.
Ramsdale becomes Arsenal’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window, following in the footsteps of Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ben White and Martin Odegaard, whose move from Real Madrid was confirmed earlier on Friday as well.
It will certainly be interesting to see whether Ramsdale goes on to become the first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal or will he be the understudy to Leno. The north Londoners will be in action this Sunday in a derby encounter against Chelsea.
I pray Aaron shouldn’t take us to relegetion since his history is full of that! But i welcome u in the team