With Arsenal sources suggesting a deal for Aaron Ramsdale is dead, Sheffield United sources remain convinced that’s just a negotiating tactic.

fbl eng pr arsenal sheffield utd 8
Arsenal’s English striker Eddie Nketiah (L) runs through on goal in front of Sheffield United’s English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 4, 2020. (Photo by Clive Rose / POOL / AFP)

Plenty of sources on the Arsenal end have reported this week that after holding another round of talks with Sheffield United, the Gunners have decided to pull out of a deal for Aaron Ramsdale.

The Athletic are one such source, with James McNicholas writing that when Arsenal’s bid of £20m plus add-ons was rejected, Arsenal decided to pursue other goalkeeping targets. Sheffield United want £35m, and any hope of a deal would now require them to dramatically revise that position.

But Sheffield outlets are unconvinced. The Star report that Arsenal are simply hoping that Ramsdale will be disappointed by the breakdown in talks and push his club to lower their demands.

They point out that even after the breakdown, Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic still suggested Arsenal were after the goalkeeper.

“Probably, yes, they still have an interest,” Jokanovic said. “I told him (Ramsdale) I can’t stop him, but he accepts my words in a good way.

“I was informed before I signed the contract that this is the possibility. He will stay with us if it is in my hands. This is part of business. We will see what decision the club makes.”

If this really was Arsenal’s plan, then the first step seems to be working. Reports suggest Ramsdale is indeed gutted by the developments, though we don’t yet have any evidence to suggest it will lead to any change in Sheffield United’s demands. Time will tell.