Arsenal agree Aaron Ramsdale deal with Southampton

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Aug 2024 20:05 BST
3 min read

Arsenal and Southampton have struck an agreement for Aaron Ramsdale, according to Sky Sports.

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The Gunners shot-stopper appears to be on his way back down to the South Coast if personal terms can be settled on. Arsenal and Southampton have agreed on a transfer fee for Ramsdale, reports Sky Sports.

The deal for the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United star can potentially rise to as high as €29 million. The Saints have agreed to pay a sizeable €21m upfront for the England international.

Now, the final details between the clubs need to be ironed out, while the promoted side also need to agree a contract with the player. Ramsdale is keen to leave Arsenal and would have loved to join Wolves, FootballTransfers understands, but the Gunners knocked back their loan bid.

Arsenal have always been quite clear with suitors that they would have to offer either a permanent deal or a loan with an obligation to buy the 26-year-old.

Ramsdale set for Southampton?

It would be an interesting move for Ramsdale if he were to end up at Southampton. It's a big outlay for a goalkeeper whose confidence appears to have taken a sizeable hit since losing his place to David Raya.

Nevertheless, Ramsdale remains a more-than-capable shot-stopper and perhaps taking a 'step down' is exactly what he needs at this stage in his career. After all, at 26, he has yet to hit his peak as a goalkeeper.

The agreement with Southampton will be seen as a solid deal internally at Arsenal, who had been keen to recoup their original outlay. While the deal to sign him from Sheffield United could have risen to more than €30m, the Gunners only paid around €28m guaranteed.

It remains to be seen whether Ramsdale is willing to accept the move to Southampton. The Saints previously tried to sign Feyenoord No.1 Justin Bijlow, but the deal collapsed after his medical.