Arsenal have reached an agreement with Sheffield United over the signing of Aaron Ramsdale, after they lowered their demands, and the player has been left out of the Blades’ squad for their game against West Brom.

The Athletic reported that Arsenal were once again in talks with Sheffield United over the transfer of Aaron Ramsdale. Initially, it appeared the deal was off after talks failed last week, but United have returned to the table having lowered their demands.

Arsenal were insistent that they’d only revive talks for the deal if the asking price was lowered, which is why it seemed so unlikely there’d be any further progress. But Ramsdale’s reported enthusiasm for the deal seems to have swayed United to reconsider their position.

Ramsdale reportedly informed Sheffield United of his desire to leave and he’s eager to join Arsenal. All parties wanted the deal done as soon as possible and there’s optimism it will be, with Fabrizio Romano reporting there is now an agreement with player and club.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1428069469402902529

There are still some significant outstanding details, however.

From the Sheffield side, James Shield reported that Arsenal are growing increasingly confident of the signing as they prepare a ‘decisive’ bid. Shield writes for The Star that the club initially wanted as much as £40m, but they’ll now have to accept significantly less to agree a deal.

The exact amount remains unclear. The Star claim it should be in the region of £28m, but they’ve consistently reported much higher figures than on the Arsenal end, where the last bid was reported at £20m. The Athletic claim it will be an initial £24m with an additional £6m in add-ons.

It’s probably safe to assume, as per The Athletic’s figures, the clubs will meet in the middle, particularly when you include add-ons.

Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic has been clear that he doesn’t want to sell, but it’s not his decision and Ramsdale wants the move. It looks like this one is edging towards a conclusion, finally.

Sheffield United play West Brom on Wednesday evening and Aaron Ramsdale has been left out of the squad.

Wow ramsdale gone lol https://t.co/k8QbHhnfpD

— ᳆ (@VOYNlCH) August 18, 2021