Dan King reports for The S*n that Southampton want a top-level experienced goalkeeper for their return to the Premier League, and they’re prepared to step up their interest in Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale once he’s back from Euro 2024.
Ramsdale wants regular football and whilst Arsenal would love to keep him, King adds that the Gunners understand his situation.
The bad news is that Southampton are reportedly likely to favour a loan, rather than a permanent transfer.
Even then, Ramsdale’s wages would reportedly make things difficult, as his current wage would make him their highest-paid player.
A report from James McNicholas of The Athletic earlier this week suggested that Arsenal expect to recoup a fee in the region of £30m for Ramsdale, and they’re unwilling to accept a loan deal or a transfer at a lower fee.
If Ramsdale does leave, McNicholas added that Joan Garcia of Espanyol has been lined up as a replacement.
Newcastle United had been linked with a move for Ramsdale earlier this year, but the chances of that deal evaporated at the end of June.
Newcastle announced the signings of Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest, and John Ruddy from Birmingham City, filling their squad gap in the position.
The Athletic had previously reported that Newcastle’s approach to a goalkeeper signing had changed due to their failure to qualify for European football.
Rather than looking to replace Pope with Ramsdale, Newcastle searched for backups instead.
Ramsdale made 11 appearances in 2023/24, losing his starting spot to David Raya.
The England goalkeeper has publicly suggested he doesn’t want another year of not playing regular matches, but Arsenal’s demands make it unlikely Southampton will be able to secure a move.