Southampton has reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in a deal potentially worth up to £25 million.
The 26-year-old is expected to complete his transfer before the upcoming deadline on Friday, with Southampton set to pay £18 million upfront, followed by an additional £7 million in performance-related add-ons.
After Southampton’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Cardiff in the Carabao Cup second round, Saints boss Russell Martin expressed enthusiasm about the potential signing, stating, “If it happens, it’s very, very exciting. But we’ll have to wait and see. I’m sure we’ll discuss it when it becomes official.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers had also shown interest in Ramsdale, but they withdrew from negotiations due to the costs involved.
Ramsdale has recently found himself as a backup to David Raya at Arsenal. He played every minute of every league game during the 2022-23 season, helping Arsenal finish second behind Manchester City, but subsequently lost his starting position to Raya, who joined on loan from Brentford. Ramsdale made only six league appearances as Arsenal secured Raya’s loan as a permanent signing.
Since joining Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021 for £24 million, Ramsdale has made a total of 78 Premier League appearances.
The goalkeeper will join a Southampton side that has lost both of their opening games since being promoted back to the Premier League. Alex McCarthy, 34, was the starting goalkeeper in those matches against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, both ending in 1-0 defeats.
Ramsdale has earned five caps for England, with his most recent appearance coming against Iceland in June as part of England’s pre-European Championship preparations.
Southampton is set to face Brentford away on Saturday at 15:00 BST.
Credit: BBC Sport
