Arsenal: Aaron Ramsdale transfer pursuit takes huge twist

Arsenal and their pursuit of a new goalkeeper this summer, a deal that classifies as essential, started off on one foot then took a considerable turn towards one clear profile. The man who matched that best was Aaron Ramsdale.

With Mat Ryan departing and both Arthur Okonkwo and Alex Runarsson deemed not at the level required to act as the second choice stopper, this was one area of the squad in dire need of filling.

Andre Onana was the name on everyone’s lips but as the weeks passed by it became clear that Arsenal were no longer keen on the Cameroonian, instead turning their attentions towards a young, homegrown option.

With those specifics, the field of play narrowed and the options available suiting that criteria coughed up an uninspiring list of goalkeepers.

Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of Aaron Ramsdale takes huge twist as disagreement in valuation sees deal on brink of collapse in summer window

Unlike a large contingent of the fanbase, Arsenal saw differently and Aaron Ramsdale shot to the top of the pile.

Sheffield United, relegated from the Premier League last season, find themselves in a strong position with the 23-year-old only joining last summer and the Blades’ Saudi backed owners were in no financial need of selling.

However, Ramsdale was Mikel Arteta’s number one target and a deal seemed inevitable. With reports of talks reaching an advanced stage, it appears those discussions have since been brought to an impasse over valuations.

As per The Athletic, the deal has taken a major twist with the move now on the brink of collapsing with Arsenal unwilling to meet the financial demands set by Sheffield United. Signed for £18.5m, the Gunners’ two bids thus far have not exceeded £20m as a guaranteed fee and the maximum they are willing to go to as an initial outlay is that figure.

The Blades wanted to start negotiations at £35m. In their defence, £1.5m is not a great profit on a goalkeeper one year after his arrival who joined recently up with the England senior squad. Arsenal had hoped talks on Wednesday would help find a breakthrough, only to find that the Blades won’t budge.

It is news most welcome. Music to the ears.

None of which is a slight on Ramsdale or his ability, but instead that the club have seen sense in spending £30m or so on a backup goalkeeper who would barely have featured at all in the coming campaign. It would have constituted a baffling use of resources with so much else to focus on.

With the opening fixture against Brentford to come on Friday, this department is now a pressing need. Should Leno fall foul to injury it would be catastrophic and, as such, Arsenal are now forced to consider alternative options.