Aaron Ramsdale: Southampton complete signing of England goalkeeper from Arsenal on four-year contract
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Updated 30/08/2024 at 21:17 GMT+1
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Southampton have sealed a move for Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal, with the 26-year-old making the switch from Emirates Stadium to St. Mary's for a reported £25 million. With a long-term injury keeping regular first-choice stopper Gavin Bazunu out until at least 2025, Southampton were keen to upgrade their No. 1 this summer.
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Aaron Ramsdale has officially become a Southampton player after the club completed a deal worth a reported £25 million.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper joined Mikel Arteta's side in 2021 from a relegated Sheffield United, but found himself playing second fiddle when David Raya arrived from Brentford last summer.
After playing every minute of the 2022/23 Premier League season, Ramsdale was between the sticks in the league just six times last term.
With 34-year-old Alex McCarthy starting The Saints' first two Premier League matches in the absence of the long-term injured Gavin Bazunu, the club were keen to upgrade their No. 1.
Speaking to the club's website, Ramsdale 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.”
Ramsdale becomes Southampton's most expensive signing in this transfer window, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes, Cameron Archer and Ben Brereton Diaz among the others who have already made their way to St. Mary's this summer.
First called up to Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad, Ramsdale went on to be selected for England's next two major tournaments and has earned five caps.
Southampton manager Russell Martin added:“I’m delighted. 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."
Arsenal have replaced Ramsdale with the deadline day signing of 35-year-old Neto from Bournemouth, who is expected to become the new back-up to No. 1 David Raya.
"To all the supporters of Arsenal, I’d just like to say I’m one more fan here," Neto said following the confirmation of his move. "My dream has come true, I’m really happy.
"Depend on me, I’ll give more than 100% to give everything for Arsenal."
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