Arsenal’s pursuit for a new goalkeeper ends with Aaron Ramsdale

An opening day loss in the Premier League for Arteta and Arsenal has put a kick in their step this week, with the club set to announce two first-team signings; the first up is Aaron Ramsdale.

Sheffield United and Arsenal have finally reached an agreement in principle for the stopper, Aaron Ramsdale, for a fee reported to be around £24m – the 24m being an initial instalment – the rest of the payment could increase by an additional £6m – all dependent on how well he does at the Emirates in his quest to be named the club’s number 1.

The soon to be former Blades’ goalkeeper is currently undergoing his medical in London with only this and the signing of paperwork left to complete before he joins his new side.

Aaron Ramsdale’s numbers in the Premier League

• Teams played for – 2 [Bournemouth and Sheffield United]
• Premier League seasons – 4 [Bernd Leno – 4]
• Matches played – 75 [Bernd Leno – 98]
• Clean sheets – 10 [Bernd Leno – 25]
• Saves – 147 [Bernd Leno – 298]
• Goals against – 125 [Bernd Leno – 120]
• Save percentage – 69% [Bernd Leno’s save percentage – 74%]

Why Aaron Ramsdale for Arsenal?

All English Premier League

The Gunners had a bit of a topsy-turvy time in trying to gain the services of Ramsdale during the summer transfer window; like reported by Sky Sports, there was no secret in learning how strongly Arteta admired the English stopper.

Ahead of his move to Sheffield United, the Arsenal manager wanted him already but it was United who won the race. Now hitting a stumbling block, calling off the deal entirely prior to them finally meeting on terms, you’d think the North London side would pursue their second-in-line target, as it was proclaimed by many outlets.

However technical director, Edu, believed this unit was in need of more homegrown players and identified the 23-year-old as the perfect long-term solution to meet this necessity – hence why they stopped their chase and then made a conclusive U-turn for the player.

Ramsdale’s deal all includes:

"Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle with Sheffield United for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale worth an initial £24m.The fee could rise by another £6m in add-ons depending on whether Ramsdale becomes the Gunners’ long-term No 1.Bournemouth are entitled to a 15 per cent sell on of anything over £19m, and the 23-year-old’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium would likely see back-up goalkeeper Alex Runarsson be allowed to leave the club. [Via: Sky Sports]"

Now the Gunners have two goalkeepers capable of playing for the same spot – which they wanted to do all this time – provide satisfactory but healthy competition for current first-choice, Bernd Leno.

The club has also been said to be far from impressed with the German’s performances, but it is quite unlikely the North Londoners will stay in the market for a second goalkeeper while trying to sell Leno, being so late in the summer window already.

Next to be signed, sealed, and announced: Martin Odegaard

Arsenal done deals

Joined the club [4 players]

Nuno Tavares [Benfica] Details
Albert Sambi Lokonga [Anderlecht]
Mika Biereth [Fulham]
Ben White [Brighton]

Left the club [22 players]

David Luiz [released]
Levi Laing [released]
Joseph Olowu [released]
Luke Plange [released]
Jason Sraha [released]
Trae Coyle [Lausanne–Sport]
Zech Medley [KV Oostende]
Mark McGuinness [Cardiff]
Dinos Mavropanos [Stuttgart] Loan
Daniel Ballard [Millwall] Loan
Daniel Oyegoke [Brentford]
Ben Sheaf [Coventry]
Matt Smith [Doncaster] Loan
Matteo Guendouzi [Marseille] Loan
William Saliba [Marseille] Loan
Nikolaj Moller [Viktoria Koln] Loan
Deyan Iliev [SKF Sered] Loan
Tyreece John-Jules [Blackpool] Loan
Harry Clarke [Ross County] Loan
Tolaji Bola [Rotherham]
Jordi Osei-Tutu [Nottingham Forest] Loan
Joe Willock [Newcastle United]