Aaron Ramsdale Transfer Latest: Arsenal Shot-Stopper On Way To Join Southampton

Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale could be set for a return to the South Coast – this time with Southampton – who appear the likeliest destination according to reports.

Ramsdale has been bumped down to second-choice for Arsenal since David Raya’s unforeseen arrival, and a move away from North London has been brewing ever since.

Wolves had looked poised to sign the shot-stopper until news broke on Wednesday that they had pulled out of negotiations. 

Southampton are believed to have re-entered talks with Arsenal after spotting an opportunity in the market, and are now leading the race for Ramsdale’s signature.

With bookmakers now pinning the Saints as odds-on they look set to secure a major coup, though Dutch side Ajax remain interested.

Why Wolves Won’t Complete Aaron Ramsdale Transfer

Despite a deal looking close to being done, Wolves have reportedly backed out of negotiations for the 26-year-old goalkeeper.

Having initially offered to sign Ramsdale on loan with an option to buy, Wolves appear to have been put off by the price tag of signing the keeper permanently.

The West Midlands club had offered around £20m, but Arsenal are holding out for more in order to sanction any move.

Saints Scrambling For New Goalkeeper

With newly-promoted Southampton losing first-choice keeper Gavin Bazunu to a long-term achilles injury, they have turned to veteran Alex McCarthy between the sticks.

But a disastrous opening match mistake cost them at Newcastle, as McCarthy gave away possession and gifted the hosts the only goal of the game.

Saints therefore are desperate for a new number one capable of playing out from the back and complementing Russell Martin’s possession-based game.

Southampton had almost signed another keeper, Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow, but the move collapsed on Wednesday after an issue with his medical. 

This leaves the South Coast club short in the goalkeeper department, with Mateus Lis also joining Turkish outfit Goztepe on a permanent basis this summer.

As a result, Saints are believed to be back in for Ramsdale, with Russell Martin reportedly speaking to the player as negotiations continue.

Fabrizio Romano Aaron Ramsdale Transfer Latest

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also suggested Southampton are back in for Ramsdale, citing the failed Bijlow deal in a Twitter (X) update.

🔴⚪️ Southampton will assess options for GK position after Bijlow deal off.

Aaron Ramsdale remains on the list but Arsenal want loan with obligation to buy clause…

…as they already 100% agreed on personal terms with Espanyol GK Joan García. Waiting. ⏳🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/XJbiRsrsie

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2024

Romano also highlighted the possible arrival of Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia, who has reportedly agreed personal terms and looks set to join should Ramsdale depart.