Southampton Secure £25m Deal for Arsenal Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale

Southampton have agreed to a deal with Arsenal for England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, valued up to £25 million. The agreement includes an £18 million upfront payment with the potential for an additional £7 million in add-ons. The transfer is expected to be finalized before the Friday deadline.

Southampton’s manager, Russell Martin, expressed enthusiasm about the potential acquisition following their 5-3 Carabao Cup win against Cardiff, though he acknowledged that the deal was still pending. “If it happens, it’s very, very exciting,” Martin said. “But we’ll have to wait and see.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers had been in discussions with Arsenal about signing Ramsdale but withdrew due to the high cost of the deal. Ramsdale, who is 26, has been serving as a backup to David Raya at Arsenal. He played every league game during the 2022-23 season but has since lost his starting position to Raya, who was signed on a permanent basis after a loan spell from Brentford.

Ramsdale, who has made 78 Premier League appearances for Arsenal since joining from Sheffield United in 2021 for £24 million, is expected to bolster Southampton’s squad. The club has struggled in their return to the Premier League, losing both of their opening games.

With five England caps to his name, Ramsdale’s most recent appearance was against Iceland in June. Southampton will face Brentford in their next match on Saturday at 15:00 BST.