Goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale has departed Arsenal to join Southampton in a £25m transfer.
Ramsdale lost his starting position as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper to David Raya last season, and managed just 11 appearances across all competitions in total.
Raya subsequently completed a permanent transfer to Arsenal from Brentford this summer, which led manager – Mikel Arteta to sanction Ramsdale’s exit amidst interest from various Premier League rivals.
Southampton eventually agreed a £25m deal for the 26 year-old shot-stopper, which compromised of a £18m initial fee with a £1m add-on clause if the Saints avoid relegation this season.
There is also various player performance-related add-on clauses worth £6m, in-turn taking the potential total fee to £25m.
Ramsdale is “absolutely delighted” to return to the South Coast and is confident that he can help the Saints achieve their objective under manager, Russell Martin.
“The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before, but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want.
“Coming back down to the south coast as well for me and my family, it would be an easier transition than most, so I feel like I can hit the ground running.
“I’m looking forward to this year, just getting back to what I do best and having a big smile on my face while doing it here.”
Martin added: “Bringing in a player like Aaron is a real statement signing for us, so I’m very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him.
“Aaron is obviously a very talented goalkeeper, but also an impressive all-round football player, which is clearly important for us with the way we play.
“His reputation speaks for itself, he brings great experience even at what is still a relatively young age at his position and he’s a fantastic character too, who I think will be a wonderful addition for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
Martin proceeded to express how “delighted” he is to have a strong goalkeeping selection, as Ramsdale battles Alex McCarthy, Joe Lumley and the currently injured Gavin Bazunu to “drive” one another on development wise.
“Alex McCarthy has been huge for us and was such a big part of getting us back to the Premier League, and Joe Lumley is another player with great experience and quality.
“Gavin Bazunu has a tremendous future too, but with his injury and Mateusz Lis moving to Göztepe it was important we added another player and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Aaron.”
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta praised Ramsdale for being “a top professional” and wished him well for the future.
“We thank Aaron for everything he gave to Arsenal and we wish him and his family the best of health, success and happiness in his new opportunity with Southampton.”
Ramsdale began his career at Marsh Town and went on to play for Bolton then Sheffield United at youth levels, during which he was loaned by the latter to Worksop Town briefly in 2015-16 season.
He went on to make his senior debut for Sheffield Utd in a 6-0 First Round win over Leyton Orient in November 2016, in the first of two appearances before he moved to Bournemouth in July 2017.
During his time with the Cherries, Ramsdale was loaned out to Chesterfield then AFC Wimbledon, before he enjoyed a breakthrough 2019-20 season at Bournemouth which ended in relegation to the Championship.
He then returned to Sheffield Utd for a year in which he made 44 total appearances as the Blades too suffered relegation, before he moved to Arsenal in August 2021 where he made 89 appearances.
Whilst in North London, Ramsdale helped the Gunners win the 2023 FA Community Shield following a penalty shootout against Manchester City, in which he saved penalties from Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri following a 1-1 draw.
Ramsdale represents England at international level with five senior caps, having been part of the Under-19s UEFA Euro success in 2017 then helped the Under-21s win 2018 Toulon Tournament.
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