Aaron Ramsdale has ‘agreed’ Newcastle transfer as Arsenal target Premier League replacement

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has reportedly agreed a move to Newcastle this summer. The England international was demoted to second choice in North London following the loan arrival of David Raya from Brentford – a deal which is expected to be made permanent with the £27million option included in the move.

Ramsdale signed a new contract with Arsenal last summer, but a lack of minutes has changed the landscape of his future. His father previously spoke of Ramsdale ‘losing his smile’ since the switch and an exit was always therefore on the cards.

Speaking on The Highbury Squad, Sky Sports reporter James Green revealed what he had been told on the situation and the suggested agreement with Newcastle. “I understand that Aaron Ramsdale has agreed to join Newcastle in the summer,” Green said.

“That’s come direct through somebody speaking to somebody I’m close with who is close with his agent and he says it’s done, the deal is happening.

“I don’t think that will come as a surprise to many Arsenal fans if I’m being honest. I think the writing was on the wall, it was going to happen, he can’t sit there and be a backup goalkeeper he was too good for that.

“He was always going to go on to pastures new and I saw a few reports, a few other journalists talking about a backup to Raya this week and what goalkeepers might come in. The likes of Jason Steele at Brighton were mentioned and I think he’d actually be a very good number two.”

READ MORE: Arsenal youth exits explained as Reuell Walters the latest to leave amid Mikel Arteta criticism

READ MORE: Arsenal given incentive to hijack PSG transfer as Mikel Arteta seeks dream Bukayo Saka rival

football.london reported earlier in the season that Ramsdale had turned down an approach from a club in the bottom half of the Premier League table. The 26-year-old wanted to take a positive step forward in his career and a Newcastle side who could be playing Europa League or Europa Conference League football next season, depending on final day results and the FA Cup outcome, would certainly help with that.

It would be beneficial for his England career too with Gareth Southgate set to soon announce his squad for the European Championships. The Three Lions head coach has mentioned that Ramsdale would need to start playing to get picked but has remained in the squad despite playing backup to Raya.

A move to the north east would see him compete with fellow England international Nick Pope. The 32-year-old has two years remaining on his deal but has suffered with persistent injury problems which is a potential reason behind the Magpies’ push to sign the Arsenal stopper.

With the agreement perceived to be on the player's side, there is no update on an agreement between the clubs. After signing for £24million plus add-ons in 2022 there will be hope the Gunners will make profit on any potential sale.