Arsenal are closing in on their latest signing this summer with Football London reporting that advanced talks are being held over a deal for Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners are still on the lookout for a new goalkeeper after Mat Ryan’s loan during the second-half of last season.
They have been linked with a host of names, including Andre Onana and Sam Johnstone. But it would appear that Ramsdale is about to fill the void.
Football London reports that advanced talks are underway. They note that Arsenal are expected to pay an up front fee of £24 million, while add-ons could take the overall cost up to £30 million.
It is noted that the Gunners had two bids rejected by Sheffield United for the 23-year-old. But a deal now looks to be close.
Ramsdale may not convince all Arsenal fans, but £30m deal could prove a very smart piece of business
Ramsdale looks set to be Bernd Leno’s understudy at the Emirates. And in truth, that may actually be helpful for the former England under-21 international.
A look on social media will tell you that many have their doubts about paying £30 million for Ramsdale.
He has been relegated with Bournemouth and Sheffield United. And Arsenal do arguably have much bigger priorities in this window.
However, Ramsdale was outstanding during the second-half of last season. His form earned him a place in England’s squad for Euro 2020 after Dean Henderson withdrew.
It is not a deal that will hugely benefit Arsenal in the short-term unless Mikel Arteta springs a surprise and pushes him ahead of Leno in the pecking order.
But in years to come, it could prove to be a very decent piece of business.
It is certainly too soon to write him off.