Arsenal are close to an agreement with Sheffield United on the signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners have been running Ramsdale for some time, with reports of their interest first appearing in early summer. He has tasted relegation in the Premier League during each of his last two full seasons, but he won Blades Player of the Year last campaign.
Ramsdale will be challenging for number one this season / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
There have been plenty of twists and turns since Arsenal originally made contact, but according to Athletic, a deal has finally been completed.
Sheffield United initially demanded £ 40 million for the goalkeeper, who was named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championship 2020 this summer after an injury to Nick Pope. But Arsenal will now pay £ 24 million initially. The £ 6million surcharge is likely to be triggered only if Ramsdale becomes the Gunners’ first stop.
Initially, he will provide back-up to number one Bernd Leno but Mikel Arteta is believed to be a big fan of Ramsdale’s shooting stoppage and distribution, so he should get a decent amount of playing time this season.
Although Sheffield United will be disappointed to lose one of their stars, his departure should give new manager Slavisa Jokanovic room to maneuver in the transfer market.
The Blades have not yet made a signing this summer and 90 minutes understand that Jokanovic was told that the sale would be necessary before he could strengthen his ranks. Ramsdale have been excused from Sheffield United’s trip to West Brom on Wednesday as negotiations enter their final stages.
If everything goes as planned, he will soon be announced as an Arsenal player. The Gunners have also agreed a deal with Martin Odegaard, who spent time on loan at the club last season. Arteta has spent the summer looking for a creative midfielder and the club has finally settled on Odegaard, despite having previously been interested in Emiliano Buendia, James Maddison and Philippe Coutinho.
