Romano drops Arsenal bomb: Gunners 'advancing well' on major transfer

Tom Weber

28 Aug 2024 19:00 BST
4 min read

Arsenal and Southampton are 'advancing well' in talks over Aaron Ramsdale, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Gunners' No.2 appears to be closing in on a transfer at last. Not content with playing second fiddle to David Raya, Ramsdale is looking for a way out of the Emirates.

The England shot-stopper has no shortage of suitors, but Arsenal's demands have made talks with clubs tricky. Not only are the north London giants keen on a permanent transfer but they are also trying to recoup their original outlay of over €30 million.

This means that clubs like Ajax and Wolves have been priced out of a move, with both clubs having launched loan approaches for the 26-year-old that ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Bournemouth emerged as an option after they were snubbed by Liverpool's new recruit Giorgi Mamardashvili, but it now looks as though a different South Coast club is stepping up their pursuit of Ramsdale.

Southampton to land Ramsdale?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Southampton are 'advancing well' in talks with Arsenal over the goalkeeper. The Saints had initially tried to sign Feyenoord star Justin Bijlow, but the deal collapsed at the final hurdle with irregularities arising during the medical.

In the wake of this, Russell Martin's side have firmed up their interest in Ramsdale. Romano reports that Southampton have made a formal bid and that a deal could be done 'soon' as 'all parties are optimistic.'

Other outlets have pushed the brakes on this reporting, however, with Sky Sports stating that a move is not yet as advanced as reported elsewhere. It is stated that Ramsdale has been discussed again today, but he is merely one of 'four or five goalkeeper targets' and his sizeable wages may prove an issue.

In the event of Ramsdale's departure, Arsenal have Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia lined up as a replacement, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers. Terms with the player have already been agreed.