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Arsenal have confirmed the permanent capture of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United following weeks of negotiations to bring the Sheffield United goalkeeper to north London.
In dire need of a new keeper following the completion of Mat Ryan’s loan last season, the 23-year-old joins on a deal worth an initial £24m. Various add-ons, including first team appearances, England caps and European involvement could see the figure rise by a further £6m.
Mikel Arteta had desired a young, homegrown option to fill the gap in the squad and saw the Stoke-born man as the ideal candidate to provide stern competition for Bernd Leno in the Premier League side.
With the German having two years left on his deal the scope is there for Ramsdale to not only provide cover this season, but also challenge for a starting spot in the team.
Welcome to The Arsenal, @AaronRamsdale98 ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 20, 2021
Arsenal confirm £24m Aaron Ramsdale signing from Sheffield United as Mikel Arteta lands number one goalkeeper target to challenge Bernd Leno
An announcement on the official Arsenal website confirmed the news.
"“In 2017, Ramsdale signed for then Premier League side Bournemouth spending three years at the south coast club, during which time he had loan spells firstly with Chesterfield and then AFC Wimbledon, where he won the club’s young player of the season award, helping the side retain their League One status in 2018/19, having been 10 points from safety in the February of that season.“Ramsdale returned to Sheffield United in 2020 and started every Premier League match for the Blades last season.“The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes, at which point Aaron will be available for Sunday’s match against Chelsea.”"
Having already seen Arthur Okonkwo tied down to a new long-term contract and handed a senior spot in the squad as the third choice, work was underway to source a number two who could take over the number one reins long-term.
Alex Runarsson has been on the verge of departing this summer with a move to Altay in Turkey already falling through, and with this deal completed the chances of a loan or permanent departure for the Iceland international increases. Ramsdale will wear the number 32 shirt.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Aaron!