Southampton are reportedly in talks with Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium the entire summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between Southampton and the Gunners are advancing well, with the Saints having submitted an official bid for the 26-year-old. While Romano has not elaborated on the terms of the deal, it’s believed to be an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy,
However, more news have emerged owing to his move to St Mary’s Stadium, as a fee of £25 million has been agreed between the clubs and the player has been given the permission to hold his medical.
Ramsdale to Southampton I told you it’s warm. It’s now on fire.
Deal agreed between Arsenal and Southampton up to 25m
Player given permission to carry out medical. https://t.co/OVVXZJcc81
— Con Harrison (@ConMarbleHalls) August 28, 2024
David Raya Arsenal’s first choice keeper currently
Ramsdale spent the majority of last campaign on the bench following the arrival of David Raya. Having signed permanently for the Gunners a few months ago, the Spaniard is the undisputed number one goalkeeper at the club currently. As Arsenal’s second choice keeper, Ramsdale wants to leave North London in search of regular game time.
Coming through the youth ranks of Sheffield United, Ramsdale joined Bournemouth in January 2017. He was loaned out to Chesterfield and Wimbledon for the following two seasons. The Englishman established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Cherries in the 2019/20 season and won plaudits for his performances.
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This prompted his boyhood club Sheffield United to sign him for a reported fee of £18 million the next season. Despite his strong performances in goal, he couldn’t prevent the Blades from falling to the Championship. Impressed with his goalkeeping skills, Arsenal signed him on a long-term deal for a reported fee of £30 million.
Ramsdale’s first two seasons for the Gunners were excellent. He became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and was included in the PFA Team of the Year in the 2022-23 season. However, Raya replaced him in goal last season, and whenever Ramsdale got a chance, he looked a bit shaky.
Aaron Ramsdale’s struggles in goal
He made just six appearances in the 2023/24 Premier League season. His stats from the past year don’t help his case. He made a major error against Brentford that led to a goal for the Bees. His 68% save rate ranks him in the 30th percentile amongst all goalkeepers, and his PSxG-GA of -0.16 ranks him in a dismal 18th percentile. PSxG-GA is the Goals Allowed minus the Post-Shot Expected Goals against him. The negative number suggests that a goalkeeper has let in more goals than he should have based on the quality of shots he has faced (quantified as xG or Expected Goals).
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With the transfer window closing in a couple of days, negotiations are expected to be concluded soon. Arsenal won’t have to spend time searching for a replacement, with personal terms having already been agreed with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.
