Arsenal sell Ramsdale: 'Conclusion' expected despite hefty price tag

Tom Weber

Updated: 27 Aug 2024 12:51 BST
3 min read

Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Despite just three days remaining in the transfer window, Aaron Ramsdale is still expected to leave Arsenal, according to a report.

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The Gunners' summer business is going right down to Deadline Day, it seems. Mikel Merino is on the verge of being signed, but Arsenal would, in an ideal world, still like to add an attacking player before the window shuts on August 30.

However, there is an acceptance that players will have to be sold first. Eddie Nketiah is the most likely candidate to depart as he is in talks with Crystal Palace. Despite two previous moves collapsing, this one is set to finally go through.

But there are other players who could yet depart the Emirates. Chief among them is Aaron Ramsdale, who is keen on becoming a No.1 again after losing his place to David Raya last season.

Ramsdale has been associated with a host of clubs, but little progress appears to have been made in recent days. Nevertheless, a satisfactory conclusion is expected to be reached before Friday.

Ramsdale to go despite hefty demands

At least that is according to The Athletic, which reports that Arsenal continue to be in dialogue with interested clubs. Ajax and Wolves previously launched unsuccessful loan approaches, while Southampton are also interested.

Arsenal, however, are angling for a permanent sale of their No.2. They know that Ramsdale's departure will necessitate the signing of a back-up, with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia identified as the perfect option, as revealed by FootballTransfers.

Selling Ramsdale could, however, prove tricky because the Gunners are trying to recoup their original outlay. Ramsdale was signed for €28 million upfront but, with add-ons included, the deal was worth north of €30m.

If Arsenal were to agree to a loan, it would only be one with a purchase obligation. Moreover, they are demanding a sizeable loan fee of around €6m. Despite this, there appears to be optimism about being able to strike a deal.