Aaron Ramsdale ends Arsenal spell with permanent move to Southampton confirmed

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has left the club to join Southampton in a deal worth £25million.

The England international had been the first-choice in goal for the Gunners following a move from Sheffield United in 2021 but lost his place to David Raya last season.

Raya has since completed a permanent move to the Gunners and won the Premier League’s Golden Glove award last season, establishing himself as the No.1 at the club.

As such, Ramsdale was limited to only 11 appearances across all competitions, prompting his move away.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. 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.”

Saints have paid £18m up front for the 26-year-old, with a further £1m to come should they manage to avoid relegation. The deal could rise to as high as £25m should the criteria for additional add-ons be met.

Arsenal are expected to move for Bournemouth’s Neto as a replacement, after failing with a move for Espanyol’s highly-rated goalkeeper Joan Garcia.