Arsenal’s third Aaron Ramsdale transfer bid too crazy to consider

Arsenal desperately need another goalkeeper. It isn’t something that can be put off until January, nor can the be solved internally. Amid all that is on the to-do list this summer, backup stopper is non-negotiable.

It looked for all the world as if Andre Onana would be that man. Reported across the English and Dutch press to the point where his CAS hearing against the 12-month ban was being covered by all major journalists.

Mikel Arteta has had a change of heart. From reports being that a deal would happen irrespective of the outcome of his appeal, the plug has seemingly been pulled.

One of the issues is that Onana wouldn’t become available to play until November. The other is that he wouldn’t be content with a number two berth. Given Bernd Leno is still at the club and not even unreliable speculation has linked him with a move away, it would have caused an issue.

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Arsenal’s third Aaron Ramsdale transfer bid too crazy to consider as Sheffield United make £32m demands for goalkeeper in summer window

Focus shifted towards a homegrown option, one to challenge Leno and described as ‘a second No. 1’. There is no such thing as two number ones. It was an odd way of looking at it although the sentiment is there.

All of which has brought us to Aaron Ramsdale. It’s a rumour that has made the crowd go mild to say the least.

Pointing to his back-to-back relegations (and three in four seasons) as reason to be wary, it’s not just the track record that is spelling danger. However, key to note is that in the previous two seasons with Bournemouth and Sheffield United, his only two full Premier League campaigns, he won the Player of the Year award. He also scooped the gong on loan at AFC Wimbledon.

To be voted the best in class despite conceding the volume of goals he had isn’t to be scoffed at and is unfairly overlooked, even if it was slim pickings across both teams.

As a signing though, it’s still uninspiring. And what turns it from uninspiring to baffling is the kind of money that the Blades are demanding for his services.

With Leno not on course to be leaving anytime soon barring some new developments, Ramsdale, or whoever, will arrive as the number two. There is no European football to contend with next season which will limit appearances even further, and depending on the success in cup competitions the backup may be stuck with just two outings.

How much is that worth? Not what Sheffield United want.

Continued…

Sheffield United want £32m From Arsenal for Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal’s interest is no secret and neither is the fact that they’ve already seen two offers turned down for Ramsdale this summer. Say what one will about the signing itself but Arteta knows who he wants.

Whatever the intent and whatever the club feel Ramsdale can become, this is where this ends. It’s entering crazy territory.

As per The Times, the Blades have told Arsenal that they need to fork out £32m if they wish to bring the 23-year-old to north London. For some context, that fee would make Ramsdale the joint fifth most expensive goalkeeper of all time.

To spend that kind of money when a right-back, central midfielder and playmaker are all highly important this window is beyond comprehension. Much like the talk of £40m on Tammy Abraham.

There is no dispelling that another goalkeeper is urgently required. It’s on the list this summer. Hopefully that list also includes a note that says spending £32m on someone who will sit on the bench all season is bonkers.

Even if Leno is 100% leaving, whatever fee is accrued for his departure will be overshadowed by Ramsdale and will end up with Arsenal still having to sign another goalkeeper.

Evidently the scouting department have seen something with the 23-year-old. Truthfully there isn’t much reason to trust their track record, yet they’re the professionals and despite the teams he’s played for there’s a belief he can be developed into a goalkeeper reliant on his footwork.

Even if that potential is there it does not warrant the outlay for a second choice stopper, especially in this window. This before bringing his ability into the conversation.

Could they look elsewhere? Onana is off to Lyon so that ship has sailed, but there are other reports of a goalkeeper in mind.

Continued…

Arsenal Interested in Marcus Bettinelli on Free Transfer

A free transfer! Let us not waste any more time and instead dive head first into this one. Arsenal can’t say no!

The desperation to sign a homegrown goalkeeper has left the club in a position where out-of-contract Marcus Bettinelli is being considered as an option this summer. This story comes from the Daily Mail and is leading on Aston Villa facing competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for the former Cottager, so could just be a case of putting two and two together. Naturally.

Spending last season on loan at Middlesbrough, Bettinelli was called up to the England squad in 2018 after some fine displays for Fulham before relegation halted those aspirations. Alphonse Areola was signed last summer to rule out his chances of another crack at the Premier League and with his contract now expired he’s free for another move.

None of which is especially enticing to Arsenal. A good goalkeeper without being a great one, Arteta would essentially be bringing in a stop-gap since he won’t be challenging for the starting berth nor would he be in line for the throne later down the line.

While age profile is important, for a third of what Ramsdale costs it just seems bizarre that Sam Johnstone isn’t being considered. He’s the better goalkeeper for starters and you can’t scoff at £10m or so.

Ramsdale has the age on him, but when looking across the options and preferring a 28-year-old who just got relegated with West Brom over settling for a £32m player – should Arsenal meet the Blades’ demands as they appear willing to do – says enough about Ramsdale as a signing.